Vatican City, Nov 10 (EFE).- Pope Francis reiterated this Sunday his closeness to the inhabitants of Valencia (Spain) who “are facing the consequences of the floods” and asked the faithful if they had prayed for Valencia and had thought of giving some help, during the Angelus prayer overlooking Saint Peter’s Square.
«My memory for the inhabitants of Valencia and other parts of Spain who face the sequences of the floods. I will ask you a question: Have you prayed for Valencia? Have you thought about making a contribution to help these people? “It’s just a question,” Francisco said in what seemed like a call to mobilize to provide aid.
In all his recent public appearances, the pontiff has not failed to remember the Valencia floods in which more than 200 people lost their lives and caused enormous damage.
The pope began the general audience last Wednesday by praying for “Valencia that suffers so much” and offering a white rose to an image of the Virgin of the Forsaken, placed in St. Peter’s Square that, he explained, the Valencians had given him.
«I wanted to greet the Virgin of the Helpless, the Virgin who cares for the poor, the patron saint of Valencia; “Valencia, which is suffering a lot and other parts of Spain too, but Valencia which is under water and suffering,” said the pontiff.
«I wanted her to be here, the patron saint of Valencia. This small image that the Valencians themselves gave me. Today, in a special way, we pray for Valencia and other areas of Spain that are suffering from water,” he added before the start of the hearing.
Last Sunday, during the Angelus prayer, Francis again prayed for “Valencia and other towns in Spain that suffer so much these days” and asked the faithful to consider what they could do for “the people of Valencia.” EFE
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**Interview with Dr. María González, Expert in Religious Studies**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. González. Let’s start with the recent remarks from Pope Francis regarding the floods in Valencia. How significant is his message of support during times of crisis for local communities?
**Dr. González:** Thank you for having me. Pope Francis’s words carry profound significance, especially during times of natural disasters. His expression of solidarity not only comforts those affected but also reminds the broader community of their shared responsibility to lend a hand and support one another. In times of hardship, such spiritual leadership can play a crucial role in fostering resilience.
**Editor:** He also urged the faithful to engage in prayer. What role does prayer play in such situations for individuals and communities?
**Dr. González:** Prayer can be a powerful tool for individuals grappling with distress. It often serves as a source of hope and strength, helping people process their emotions and find solace. For communities, collective prayer can unite them, providing a sense of togetherness that can be incredibly grounding during turbulent times.
**Editor:** Some critics argue that symbolic gestures like prayers can be insufficient in addressing real-life disasters. What’s your take on that perspective?
**Dr. González:** While it’s true that action is vital, it’s important to recognize that spiritual guidance and emotional support are part of the healing process. Prayer and solidarity can inspire individuals to take practical steps towards recovery. They can motivate aid efforts and foster a community spirit that sparks actual change and assistance.
**Editor:** In the broader context, how can spiritual leaders like Pope Francis continue to impact communities facing natural disasters?
**Dr. González:** Spiritual leaders can provide a much-needed voice of compassion and hope. They can mobilize resources, inspire volunteerism, and advocate for those in need. By harnessing their platforms, they can effectively raise awareness and funds, turning spiritual goodwill into tangible support for communities in distress.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. González, for your insights on this important issue. Your perspective helps explain the intricate relationship between faith and community resilience during crises.
**Dr. González:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this topic. It’s crucial that we keep these conversations alive, especially in challenging times.
