Pope Francis appeals for prayers for victims of the collapsed factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Pope Francis has appealed for prayers for the victims of the garment factory that collapsed in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Asia News carried reports on April 30, 2013, that rescuers have removed 384 bodies and at least 2,437 survivors from the debris. An estimated 900 people could still be missing. “Join me in praying for the victims of the tragedy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, that God will grant comfort and strength to their families,” said the Pope said in a tweet this past weekend. In his Regina Coeli message on Sunday, April 28, referring to the factory disaster, the Holy Father called for “the dignity and safety of the worker” to be always respected.

The factory in Bangladesh produced clothing for retailers in North America and Europe, including Loblaw Companies Limited. The Canadian company announced yesterday it will “be providing compensation for the families of the victims who worked for our supplier…. Our priorities are helping the victims and their families, and driving change to help prevent similar incidents in the future.”