Pope prays for Mexico earthquake victims

Vatican City, Sep 20 (IANS/AKI) Pope Francis on Wednesday offered prayers for the victims of the powerful earthquake in central Mexico which killed over 200 people and said he was close to the country's entire population.
"Here among you, there are many Mexicans; the earthquake has caused casualties and material damage and in this moment of pain I express my closeness to the whole Mexican population, " Francis told pilgrims at his weekly general audience in St Peter's Square.
"I ask Almighty God to welcome all those who lost their lives, " the pontiff went on, according to Vatican Radio.
Francis also praised the rescue workers involved in helping those affected by the 7. 1 magnitude tremor which struck on Tuesday, killing at least 217 people - half of them in Mexico City - among them at over 20 schoolchildren.