SW News: Pope Francis has shown spiritual solidarity with the victims of Hurricane Ian which lashed Cuba and the USA’s Florida by praying for those who lost their lives and suffered injuries. He also offered prayers for the scores of soccer fans who perished in a stampede in Indonesia.

During the customary Sunday Angelus, the pope lamented the loss of lives. The Holy Father said, “May the Lord receive the victims and give comfort and hope to those who suffer and support solidarity efforts.” At least 50 deaths have been confirmed since Hurricane Ian lashed Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday. Florida had the worst fatalities and many were left without a home and power. Both Cuba and neighboring Florida were pummelled by Ian resulting in flooding, flattened homes and buildings and uprooted powerlines and trees. The storm's death toll is rising, and communities are reeling from the devastation as search and rescue efforts continue in these areas.

The Holy Father also turned his thoughts to the dead and injured in a stampede during an Indonesian football match. At least 125 died in the clashes that took place after police tear-gassed fans who took over the turf at Malang’s Kanjuruhan Stadium in East Java. About 180 others were injured in the melee.

“I pray for those who have lost their lives and for the wounded following clashes that erupted during a soccer match in Malang, Indonesia,” he said.

Football clubs around the world also paid tribute to those who died in the tragedy. Liverpool FC, which suffered a similar tragedy in 1989 when 96 of its supporters died at the Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, was among them. “We are deeply saddened to hear of the events at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, Indonesia. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with all those affected at this time,” Liverpool tweeted.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the events in Malang at the Kanjuruhan Stadium Indonesia today. Along with everyone who finds a connection through football, our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy,” English club Arsenal said in a Twitter message.