VATICAN CITY (AP) _ Pope Benedict says he’s asking God to give survivors of Chile’s massive earthquake “relief from suffering and courage in this adversity.” The pontiff says the church would support relief efforts in the predominantly Roman Catholic country. Benedict told pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square that he’s “spiritually close to those so tried by such a grave calamity.” And he assured the quake victims that “solidarity won’t be lacking.”

Separately, the head of the Chilean bishops conference said the church is offering its help to both local authorities and volunteer workers. The bishop said he’s “full of sorrow” for the hundreds who died in the 8.8 magnitude quake.