Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Rises to Over 200 - Pope Leo XIV Prays for Colombia Earthquake Victims, Calls for Strength and Hope

Pope Leo XIV has sent a message of deep sorrow to the people of Colombia following a powerful, magnitude-scale earthquake that struck the southwest region on 10 August. The disaster has claimed over 200 lives, injured hundreds more, and caused widespread structural damage, including severe impact on local churches.

In a official telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to Archbishop Francisco Javier Múnera Correa, President of the Colombian Bishops’ Conference, the Holy Father offered his condolences to grieving families and prayed for the eternal rest of the deceased. He also expressed his spiritual closeness to emergency personnel and relief workers aiding in search-and-rescue efforts. Concluding his message, Pope Leo invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to grant the Colombian nation spiritual strength, Christian hope, and his Apostolic Blessing.

Tragedy in Colombia: A severe earthquake struck southwestern Colombia on 10 August, leaving over 150 dead, hundreds injured, and causing major infrastructure and church damage.

Papal Response: Pope Leo sent a telegram via Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to Archbishop Francisco Javier Múnera Correa, offering prayers for those who died and wishing a rapid recovery for the injured.

Support for First Responders: The Holy Father commended emergency and relief crews for their generous dedication under difficult circumstances.

Spiritual Blessing: He extended his heartfelt condolences to grieving families and asked God to grant the Colombian people spiritual resilience, Christian hope, and his Apostolic Blessing.