NZ Catholic Bishops statement on Whakaari White Island tragedy

"Along with all New Zealanders we are deeply distressed and saddened by the tragedy of the volcanic eruption at Whakaari/White Island," says Bishop Patrick Dunn, Catholic Bishop of Auckland and President of the NZ Catholic Bishops Conference.

"Our prayers are for those whose lives have been lost, and for the injured, conscious that their injuries are of a most serious and painful nature.

"We cannot begin to imagine the grief and distress that they and their families and friends will be experiencing at this time and our hearts go out to them.
We offer our heartfelt and prayerful thoughts to everyone affected by this disaster, our own people and tourists and visitors from Australia and several other countries.

"We give thanks to God for the generous assistance of the people who have assisted and aided the injured, especially those who took grave risks to rescue them, and for the support and care that is being given to their grieving families."