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Pope prays for Ischia victims as Italy recalls bigger quake

Posted August 23, 2017 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Pope Francis arrives for his weekly general audience in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) The Associated Press

VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope Francis is praying for the victims of an earthquake on the resort island of Ischia that struck as Italy prepares to mark the first anniversary of a far more deadly temblor on the mainland.

Francis led pilgrims and tourists at his general audience Wednesday in prayer for the victims and those who lost their homes in the 4.0-magnitude quake Monday. Two women died and two dozen were injured. Rescue crews also pulled three brothers and their father alive from the rubble of their collapsed home.

Thursday will mark the first anniversary of a much stronger, 6.2-magnitude quake that destroyed several towns in central Italy, killing nearly 300 people. A candle-lit procession is scheduled for Wednesday at midnight in the hardest-hit town, Amatrice.

Pope Francis, right, does the sign of the cross during his weekly general audience in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) The Associated Press

Children reach out to Pope Francis as he arrives for his weekly general audience in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) The Associated Press

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