A year ago, on January 18, 2017, an avalanche buried a hotel in central Italy, killing 29 people. In their memory, Pope Francis celebrated Mass in the Vatican in which victims' relatives attended.
POPE FRANCIS
“Peace for those who have left us. They died in Rigopiano. Peace for the family. Peace in their hearts. Peace that's not only resignation, but trust in the Lord, even though the pain remains. Christian peace is not anesthesia. In the midst of the pain, we ask for peace. Pain in peace.”
The pope had already met with them at a previous General Audience, but elected to invite them to a religious ceremony in honor of the anniversary.
