Pope Benedict XVI made a call Sunday for the world community to help the victims of the earthquakes in north-western Iran, dpa reported.
Speaking from his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, the pope also prayed for the victims of the flooding and storms in China and the Philippines.
"Dear brothers and sisters, my thoughts go at this time to the people of Asia, especially to the Philippines, the People's Republic of China, hardest hit by violent rains, as well as those of the north-west Iran, hit by a violent earthquake," the pope said in an appeal issued during Sunday prayers.
"I invite you to join me in prayer for those who have lost their lives and for all the people tried by such a devastating disaster," the pontiff said.