Pope Francis Urges Global Aid to Victims of Nepal Quake; Death Toll Could Pass 10,000

With the death toll in Nepal's earthquake expected to reach 10,000, Pope Francis has urged the world to extend assistance to those affected by the disaster as he prayed "for the victims, for the wounded and for all those who have suffered because of this disaster."

Pope Francis led prayers on Sunday in St. Peter's Square for the dead and displaced from the massive earthquake that struck Nepal on Saturday.

On Tuesday, Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala told Reuters that he has ordered intensified rescue efforts as he appealed for foreign supplies of tents and medicines.

Many people remain exposed to the elements and sleeping outdoors because their homes have been destroyed or are fearful that their damaged homes could collapse due to the continuing aftershocks, officials said.

"The government needs tents, much medicine. People are sleeping in fields and rains," Koirala said. "There are more than 7,000 people injured. Their treatment and rehabilitation is going to be a big challenge."

"The government is doing all it can for rescue and relief on a war footing," the Nepalese prime minister said. "It is a challenge and a very difficult hour for Nepal."

A Nepalese home ministry official said the death toll was at 4,349 as of Tuesday with many more Nepalese residents unaccounted for and feared dead. If the death toll reaches 10,000 as feared, that would be even higher than the 8,500 killed in a massive quake that hit Nepal in 1934, the country's worst disaster.

Koirala was out of the country when the 7.9 magnitude quake struck his nation on Saturday. He returned on Sunday and immediately issued orders to his government to improve coordination of the relief effort.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with the victims of the tragedy after the recitation of the Regina Coeli prayer with the crowd in St. Peter's Square.

"Dear Brothers and sisters, I want to assure you of my closeness to the people affected by the devastating earthquake in Nepal and neighboring countries," the Pope said.

"I pray for the victims, for the wounded and for all those who have suffered because of this disaster."

The Pope also urged the rest of the world to extend their assistance to those affected by the disaster, saying: " "May they be sustained by fraternal solidarity."

When news of the devastating earthquake first broke out, Cardinal Pietro Parolin sent a telegram on behalf of the Pope to express condolences.

"His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the earthquake and the resultant loss of many hundreds of lives in Nepal, as well as in neighbouring countries. He expresses his solidarity with all affected by this disaster and assures those who grieve for deceased family members of his closeness in prayer," the telegram read.

"His Holiness commends the souls of the victims to the loving mercy of the Almighty and he offers encouragement to the civil authorities and emergency personnel as they continue their rescue efforts and assistance to those touched by this tragedy. Upon them all he invokes the blessings of the Almighty as a pledge of healing and consolation."