May 21, 2012. (Romereports.com) During Sunday's Regina Coeli, the Pope prayed for the victims of a deadly bombing that struck outside a school in northern Italy. He also prayed for those who were affected by an earthquake in the northern part of the country.

With thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope called on Catholics to pray next Thursday, for the Catholic Church in China.


Benedict XVI
“Thursday May 24th is a day dedicated to the liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians. She is venerated with great devotion at the Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai: We join in prayer along with all the Catholics in China.”

Back in May 2007, Benedict XVI sent a letter to the 12 million Catholics in China, where he marked the World Day of Prayer for Catholics in China. In that country, Catholics are divided in two groups. One is the so called  'Patriotic Church,' which is controlled by the government. The other remains faithful to the Pope.

The Pope also made it a point to offer his condolences to the young victims of the school bombing in Brindisi. He also said he would be praying for the thousands of people who were affected by the earthquake, including the seven people who lost their lives.

Benedict XVI
“Today I remember the children from the school of Brindisi, where yesterday there was a cowardly attack. May we pray together for the  victims and the seriously wounded.  Above all we must pray for Melissa, the innocent victim of brutal violence, and her family who suffers with great pain. I also greet the dear people of Emilia-Romagna, who were affected by an earthquake a few hours ago. I am spiritually close to people suffering from this calamity.”

Among those in attendance, were members of an Italian pro life group, who defend human dignity and the rights of the unborn. The Pope asked them to continue their work in building a culture of life.

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