Pope offers prayers for Greeks amid crisis

Pope Francis is urging prayers for Greece and its people as they weather a "keenly felt human and social crisis."

The Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, said in a statement Wednesday the situation over Greece's expired bailout program was "worrying." He said the dignity of Greeks must be paramount in any decisions that emerge from the crisis.

He added "the Holy Father wishes to convey his closeness to all the Greek people, with a special thought for the many families gravely beset by such a complex and keenly felt human and social crisis."

He said the pope was urging the faithful "to unite in prayer for the good of the beloved Greek people."

[AP]