Pope Benedict prays for Chilean miners during rescue operation

Vatican Radio - Pope Benedict XVI said on Wednesday he is praying for the ongoing rescue operation in Chile, where the 69-day ordeal of 33 miners is coming to an end. The miners began leaving the mine at midnight local Chilean time. The miners have survived more time trapped underground than anyone on record, and the world was captivated by their endurance and unity as officials carefully planned.

The Holy Father's remarks came while addressing Spanish-speaking pilgrims during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square. The Pope said he “continues with hope to entrust to the goodness of God the miners in the region of Atacama”.The Ambassador from Chile to the Holy See, Fernando Zegers Santa Cruz, says the faith of the miners was important during the ordeal.

“The miners commended the operation to their patron St. Lawrence,” he told Vatican Radio. “The miners ‘downstairs’ and the families ‘upstairs’, they have all put their fortunes in the hands of God,” he said. “It has been a testimony of faith.”