Pope 'deeply saddened' by massive earthquake in Turkey, Syria

Turkey earthquake: A 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook Turkey followed by another strong quake which was felt in several provinces in the region, knocking down a number of buildings, reports said.

The Vatican said Monday that Pope Francis was "deeply saddened" by a major earthquake in Turkey and Syria that has killed more than 1,600 people.

Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the huge loss of life caused by the earthquake, the statement said. (AP)

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"His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the huge loss of life caused by the earthquake... he sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all those affected," wrote the Vatican's secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin in a statement.