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Pope on visit to Italy quake zone Pope on visit to Italy quake zone
(9 minutes later)
Pope Benedict XVI has arrived in central Italy to visit survivors of the earthquake that struck on 6 April.Pope Benedict XVI has arrived in central Italy to visit survivors of the earthquake that struck on 6 April.
The head of the Catholic Church greeted victims in the village of Onna outside L'Aquila, where 40 people died and all the buildings are now uninhabitable.The head of the Catholic Church greeted victims in the village of Onna outside L'Aquila, where 40 people died and all the buildings are now uninhabitable.
He will go on to see other areas hit by the disaster and say prayers for the total of nearly 300 people who died.He will go on to see other areas hit by the disaster and say prayers for the total of nearly 300 people who died.
Some 65,000 people are still homeless. Around 36,000 are living in tents while others are being put up in hotels.Some 65,000 people are still homeless. Around 36,000 are living in tents while others are being put up in hotels.
After making brief remarks and a prayer in Onna, the Pope will visit a student residence block in L'Aquila where a number of young people lost their lives.After making brief remarks and a prayer in Onna, the Pope will visit a student residence block in L'Aquila where a number of young people lost their lives.
He will thank rescue teams and medical staff for their response to the earthquake.He will thank rescue teams and medical staff for their response to the earthquake.
L'Aquila camp three weeks on
It will be the Pope's first visit to the quake-affected area.It will be the Pope's first visit to the quake-affected area.
He sent out greetings to those "suffering from the earthquake" when he celebrated Easter Mass on St Peter's Square in the Vatican earlier this month.He sent out greetings to those "suffering from the earthquake" when he celebrated Easter Mass on St Peter's Square in the Vatican earlier this month.
He also sent chocolate Easter eggs to victims of the earthquake.He also sent chocolate Easter eggs to victims of the earthquake.
The authorities have said it could be weeks, if not months, before it is known which of the houses left standing are safe enough to be repaired and which will have to be demolished.The authorities have said it could be weeks, if not months, before it is known which of the houses left standing are safe enough to be repaired and which will have to be demolished.


Do you live in the affected area? Are you looking forward to the Pope's visit? Send us your comments using the form below:Do you live in the affected area? Are you looking forward to the Pope's visit? Send us your comments using the form below:
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & ConditionsThe BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions