Pakistan's Catholic Bishops Express Solidarity With Japan After Deadly Earthquake

The Catholic bishops of Pakistan have expressed prayerful solidarity with the people of Japan following the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, offering condolences to the victims and prayers for those affected.

The message was conveyed by Bishop Samson Shukardin, president of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops' Conference (PCBC), in a statement issued on behalf of the country's Catholic bishops, clergy, religious, and lay faithful.

In addition to the public statement, Bishop Shukardin sent a formal letter of solidarity and condolence to Japan's Ambassador to Pakistan, His Excellency Akamatsu Shuichi, assuring the Japanese government and people of the Church's continued prayers and spiritual support during this time of loss.

Writing on behalf of the Catholic community across Pakistan, Bishop Shukardin expressed sympathy for the families who lost loved ones, those displaced from their homes, and the communities affected by the disaster.

"We are deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture that has claimed precious lives, destroyed thousands of homes, and left entire communities in distress," Bishop Shukardin said.

"The Church and the people of Pakistan hold the victims and their loved ones in our earnest prayers during this period of trial. We stand in deep spiritual solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Japan as they face the aftermath of this calamity."

Bishop Shukardin also conveyed the Pakistani bishops' closeness to Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, Archbishop of Tokyo, and Bishop Josep Abella of the Diocese of Fukuoka, whose diocese includes the affected region. He acknowledged reports of casualties, widespread damage to infrastructure, and structural damage to Catholic churches, including Yatsushiro Church.

Reflecting on Pakistan's own experience of major natural disasters, including the 2005 earthquake in the country's north and the devastating nationwide floods of 2022, Bishop Shukardin said such tragedies underscore the importance of faith, mutual accompaniment, and international solidarity.

He called on parish communities, Christians throughout Pakistan, and all people of goodwill to pray for those affected by the earthquake, for the swift delivery of humanitarian assistance, and for the safety and strength of emergency responders working in the disaster zone.

"May Almighty God grant eternal rest to the souls of those who have departed, bring swift healing to the injured, and bestow fortitude and comfort upon all who mourn," Bishop Shukardin said.