Pope Leo XIV Prays for Victims of Indonesia's 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake that Took 70 Lives and Left Thousands Displaced


 Pope Expresses Solidarity Following Devastating Indonesian Earthquakes

Pope Leo XIV has sent a message of comfort and support to the people of Indonesia following a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the East Nusa Tenggara region on Saturday, August 15.

In a telegram signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and addressed to Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden of Ende, the Pontiff stated he was "deeply saddened" by the widespread destruction. He offered prayers for the victims, commended the deceased to God's mercy, and extended his closeness to the thousands affected by the tragedy.

The powerful initial quake on Flores Island, followed by a 6.9-magnitude tremor on Sumatra, has claimed at least 70 lives and injured 135 people. Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency reports that over 13,000 residents are now homeless, with more than 1,300 homes destroyed or damaged, and 167 public facilities—including schools, clinics, and churches—rendered unusable.

Pope Leo offered his encouragement to both civil and church authorities coordinating relief efforts, invoking divine blessings of strength and consolation for the rescue teams working on the ground.

Summary

  • Papal Message: Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram via Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin offering "spiritual solidarity and closeness" to victims of the August 15 earthquake in Indonesia.

  • The Disaster: A 7.7-magnitude quake struck East Nusa Tenggara (Flores Island), followed by a 6.9-magnitude quake on Sumatra.

  • Human Impact: At least 53 dead, 135 injured, and 13,000 left homeless.

  • Property Damage: Over 1,350 homes damaged or destroyed, alongside 167 public buildings (schools, healthcare centers, and churches).

  • Call to Action: The Pope commended the deceased to God's mercy and offered prayers of encouragement for emergency personnel, civil leaders, and church authorities providing humanitarian aid.

Comments

Post a Comment