Pope prayers for Bangladesh and rejects "recurring messianisms"

Amid news that Cyclone Sidr has left thousands dead in its wake, Pope Benedict said today:

"In renewing my profound condolences to the families and the whole nation, which is so dear to me ... I appeal for international solidarity, which has already moved to assist with immediate necessities. I ask that every possible effort be made to succor these sorely tried brothers."

The cyclone affected more than 2.7 million souls, and the death toll could reach between 5-10k. The U.S. is sending $2.1m in aid.

Not to diminish the magnitute of the current situation, but another storm in 1991 left over 143,000 dead. Rescue efforts appear to be going well. More from Associated Press. [update: the most recent reports paint a bleaker picture: here & here.]

Pope Benedict also rejected "recurring messianisms that claim the end of the world is imminent, saying instead that "history is ongoing, and involves human tragedies and natural calamities."

He continued, and CNA relates:

"Reflecting on the Gospel reading for this Sunday, the Holy Father recalled that, since its inception, the Church "prayerfully lives in the care of its Lord, scrutinizing the signs of the times and keeping the faithful on guard against the calls of messianisms, which from time to time announce the imminent end of the world".

""Actually, the Pontiff said, history must take its course, which also involves human tragedies and natural calamities. As time develops, the design of salvation that Christ has already taken effect in his incarnation, death and resurrection [becomes clearer]. This mystery is continually announced by the Church and actualized in her preaching, with the celebration of the sacraments and the testimony of charity."

Faced with the problems of life, "do not be afraid for the future," said the pope, who urged parishioners to accept "the invitation of Christ to face everyday events trusting his love."

AsiaNews.it also posts a summary.

"Many who claim that the end of the world is near"? I wonder if this applies to those who are saying:

• "The effects of climate change have become so severe and so sweeping that only urgent, global action will do. There is no time to waste." - The UN Secretary General
• [The report is] Saying [alarming possibilities are] less likely to occur, but if it does we are fried.” - Dr. Verolme, director of the World Wildlife Fund’s Global Climate Change Program
• These scenes are as frightening as a science fiction movie, but they are even more terrifying because they are real." - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, again

I wonder.