Bishop Giovanni D'Ercole

As the death toll from the earthquake which struck central Italy early this morning continues to rise, Bishop Giovanni D'Ercole of Ascoli Piceno traveled the short 40 km to Pescara del Tronto to be with the hundreds of people affected by the disaster.

Speaking to Vatican Radio this morning, Bishop D'Ercole said the scene was very distressing.

"When I arrived at the break of day, I saw a destroyed village, screams, death... We are truly in a desperate situation and unfortunately this is not the only area affected, because others are also in this situation."

He said there were still many areas unreached by rescue personnel.

"There are several people who are not responding to telephone calls. I went to bless the bodies of two children buried under the rubble."

"A certain part of the diocese is suffering. I think, however..., that the area worst hit is the part near Rieti, that is, between Amatrice, Accumoli, Pescara del Tronto, Arquata, and near Force."

Pope Francis cancelled the catechism portion of his Wednesday General Audience and led pilgrims in praying the Rosary for the victims of the earthquake. See: www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=30774

Tags: Ascoli Piceno, Bishop Giovanni D'Ercole, earthquake, Italy

We Need Your Support ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. As our audience increases - so do our costs. We need your help to continue this work. Please support our journalism by donating today. Donate