Pope Francis in prayer for victims of the earthquake in Mexico

At his general audience on Wednesday, June 26, Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the people of Mexico and said he was praying for all those affected by the 7.4 earthquake that struck the southern part of the state of Oaxaca on Tuesday.

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake shook southern Mexico on Tuesday, killing at least five people, damaging numerous buildings and sending thousands of people into the streets.

Mexico´s seismological service said the quake hit the southern state of Oaxaca at 10:29 am local time. The tremors were felt more than 400 miles away in Mexico City, the nation´s capital. The epicenter of the quake was just east of Huatulco, one of Mexico´s top tourist destinations.

Several reports indicate that there have been more than a hundred aftershocks, most of them small. According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Tuesday´s earthquake triggered a tsunami warning along the Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America.

Pope Francis´ proximity.

During Wednesday´s General Audience, Pope Francis directed his thoughts to those affected by the earthquake in Mexico.

"Yesterday, a violent earthquake struck southern Mexico, causing several victims, injuries and enormous damage. Let us pray for all of them. May they find strength and support in the help of God and their brothers and sisters".

Pope Francis added: a word of encouragement.

"Brothers and sisters... I am very close to all of you".