VATICAN CITY, AUG. 22, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI asked again for gestures of Christian solidarity with the people of Peru, devastated by the magnitude-8 earthquake that left more than 540 people dead.

The Pope said today in Spanish at the end of the general audience in Paul VI Hall: "Once more I wish to remember with great affection and spiritual closeness the beloved Peruvian people, so tried in these days, asking for gestures of Christian solidarity. May God bless them!"

It is the third time in a week that the Pontiff asked for international solidarity with Peru. Earlier this week he sent €200,000 ($269,567) in emergency aid to the country.

Secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, will leave Thursday for Peru, a trip that had been in the works for the occasion of the national Eucharistic congress.

The press office of the Holy See confirmed in a press statement that the cardinal will meet Friday with President Alan García.

That same day, Cardinal Bertone will visit the cities of Ica and Pisco, two of the areas worst hit by the earthquake.

ZE07082208 - 2007-08-22