Pope Leo XIV has sent an initial emergency contribution of €100,000 to dioceses in Colombia affected by a powerful earthquake that struck the western part of the South American country, Vatican News reported.
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake caused deaths, injuries and extensive damage to buildings and churches. Pope Leo expressed his solidarity with the victims and their families during his General Audience on August 12, assuring the Colombian people, rescue workers and emergency responders of his prayers.
The financial assistance was sent through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity following consultations between the dicastery, the Apostolic Nunciature in Colombia and the Colombian Bishops’ Conference.
During the General Audience, Pope Leo prayed for those who died and expressed his closeness to people affected by the disaster.
“I express my solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Colombia who have suffered the consequences of the recent earthquake, which has caused many deaths and injuries, as well as extensive material damage,” he said, according to Vatican News.
The Pope also prayed for the victims and their families and for those involved in rescue and relief operations.
His appeal followed a telegram sent the previous day expressing sorrow and solidarity with the people of Colombia as emergency teams continued searching through collapsed structures.
The €100,000 contribution was sent to the National Secretariat for Social Pastoral Care, Caritas Colombia, which coordinates the Catholic Church’s humanitarian response and the distribution of assistance.
The funds will be directed to dioceses affected by the earthquake to help address immediate needs.
According to Vatican News, the amount was agreed upon with those receiving the assistance and represents an initial contribution. Further aid may be provided as the needs of affected communities are assessed and communicated to the Dicastery for the Service of Charity.
Pope Leo had previously sent emergency assistance to Venezuela after a powerful earthquake struck the country in June.
The Vatican’s response follows ongoing communication between Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity and Apostolic Almoner, and Cardinal Francisco Javier Múnera Correa, president of the Colombian Bishops’ Conference.
Cardinal Múnera has been providing updates on the situation in the affected areas, while a report is being prepared to identify the most urgent needs.
Archbishop Marín emphasized the Church’s responsibility to respond to people suffering from disasters.
“The Church is the family of God,” he said, according to Vatican News, describing it as a Church that is attentive to suffering and responds “with fraternity and effectiveness.”
The emergency contribution is intended as an immediate expression of Pope Leo’s closeness to communities affected by the earthquake, while the Church in Colombia continues relief and assistance efforts.
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