The Bishop of Pozzuoli and Ischia: He is close to the population, but the churches have suffered significant damage.

With the first earthquake felt yesterday at 7:46 PM, and subsequent ones, the situation in Pozzuoli is truly difficult. The Diocese's first thoughts are with the people and families affected by the critical situation that has arisen: we share their pain and hardship, and we are offering assistance. Numerous homes are uninhabitable, extensive damage has been done to businesses and churches in Pozzuoli, and navigation in the port of Pozzuoli has been suspended. "I express the Church's closeness," declared the Bishop of Pozzuoli and Ischia, Carlo Villano, "to the population, the police, and all those engaged in civil defense efforts. I renew my invitation to the entire community to rally together, especially to protect and stand by the most vulnerable, children, the elderly, and the sick. The closure of the port of Pozzuoli, due to problems with the dock and nearby access roads, is particularly impactful for the economic and social life of the Phlegraean Fields and the island of Ischia. I support the appeal for its immediate reopening, also considering the summer season. Not long ago, in October 2023, the bishop emphasized the churches' full willingness to offer hospitality: "Let us seize these events as an opportunity to join hands, to support one another, to instill mutual courage; together we can do this, together we can better face this time that is profoundly affecting our lives, our days. The doors of our churches," Villano declared, "are open to tell everyone that the Church is a home for everyone: everyone feels welcomed, listened to, and supported." Currently, the few churches in Pozzuoli that were still open for worship are extensively damaged. "In these hours," the bishop communicates, "the diocesan Office for Cultural Heritage is intensifying its monitoring efforts, but the situation appears extremely problematic." The bishop once again expresses his gratitude for the numerous expressions of support that have been arriving in recent hours. Significant words were expressed by the President of the Italian Bishops' Conference, Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, and by the Vice President of the Italian Bishops' Conference, Monsignor Francesco Savino, who assured the communities of their support and prayers as they once again face moments of fear and great apprehension.