Pope Francis visits Italian towns struck by earthquake

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Pope Francis is flanked by Head of Vatican Security Domenico Giani and Rieti Bishop Domenico Pompili, as he walks in the quake-struck village of Accumoli, Italy, on Oct 4, 2016.

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Pope Francis visits Italian towns struck by earthquakePope Francis is flanked by Head of Vatican Security Domenico Giani and Rieti Bishop Domenico Pompili, as he walks in the quake-struck village of Accumoli, Italy, on Oct 4, 2016.

L'Osservatore Romano/ Pool Photo via AP

Pope Francis made a surprise visit on Tuesday to locations in central Italy that were damaged by a devastating earthquake that left nearly 300 people dead in August.

The pope spent time in the town of Amatrice, Italy, visiting sites and people affected by the earthquake. The pope also visited the Italian towns of Accumoli and Arquata del Tronto which were hit by the quake. You can see images of the pope's visit in the gallery above.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.