From Catholic News Service:

Saying he, too, was horrified by the images of the death and destruction caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Pope Benedict XVI asked people to join him in praying for the victims.

"May the bereaved and injured be comforted and may the rescue workers be strengthened in their efforts to assist the courageous Japanese people," the pope said in English March 13 after reciting the Angelus prayer with visitors in St. Peter's Square.

Government officials estimated that perhaps 10,000 people lost their lives after the earthquake March 11 and the tsunami it triggered.

Speaking in Italian after the Angelus, the pope said, "The images of the tragic earthquake and the consequent tsunami in Japan have left us deeply horrified.

"I want to renew my spiritual closeness to that country's dear people, who with dignity and courage are dealing with the consequences of the calamity. I pray for the victims and their families and for all who are suffering because of these terrible events. I encourage all those who, with laudable speed, are working to bring help. Let us remain united in prayer."

The Pontifical Council Cor Unum, the Vatican's charity promotion and coordinating office, announced March 14 that the pope donated $100,000 to the relief efforts of the Japanese bishops' conference.

"Obviously, material, concrete aid is necessary" to help the thousands who are suffering, Msgr. Anthony Figueiredo, a Cor Unum official, told Vatican Radio. "Also, the bishops are the first responsible for charity in the diocese and they know the needs of the people."

"The church wants to be there not only in the short term but especially in the long term," after "many of the secular agencies have gone and there's no one to help," he said.

Bishop Marcellino Daiji Tani of Saitama, one of the dioceses hit hardest by the disaster, told the Catholic missionary news agency Fides that the catastrophe is a reminder that "life is in the hands of God and that life is a gift from God," and he described the tragedy as a challenge for Christians during Lent "to practice and witness to the commandment of love and brotherly love."

However, he also told Fides, "Of particular concern to us is the situation of the nuclear power plant in Fukushima. But we must take courage, with the help of the Holy Spirit."