Pope Francis is worried about the on-going financial crisis in Greece, according to the Vatican.
Fr Federico Lombardi, a Vatican spokesperson, said the pontiff wanted to express his closeness to the Greek people and emphasise their dignity in this political debate.
The country's debt crisis took another turn after the Prime Minister accepted a bail out deal, just hours after missing the deadline to pay back a 1-and-a-half billion euro loan.
The Pope has invited the faithful to unite in prayer for the good of the Greek people.
Fr Lombardi said: "The news from Greece regarding the economic and social situation of the country is worrying.
"The Holy Father wishes to convey his closeness to all the Greek people, with a special thought for the many families gravely beset by such a complex and keenly felt human and social crisis.
"The dignity of the human person must remain at the centre of any political and technical debate, as well as in the taking of responsible decisions.
"Pope Francis invites all the faithful to unite in prayer for the good of the beloved Greek people".
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Article by Hannah Tooley
Hannah Tooley is a multimedia journalist for Premier.
