(OSV News): Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow at the loss of life and destruction caused by a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia on the morning of August 10.
As of August 11, the BBC reported that while the official death toll stood at 181, aggregated figures from local officials placed it at over 240, with more than 2,600 people injured. According to the Associated Press, over 3,000 people were missing.
The quake shook the country’s coffee-growing heartland, affecting the cities of Cali, Quibdó, Pereira, and numerous other towns and cities.
As at the time of going to press, approximately 1,600 buildings were reported damaged or collapsed, a figure expected to change as damage assessments continue in the affected areas.
According to Colombia’s Geological Service, the quake’s epicentre was in the northwestern department of Chocó, and its intensity made it “the strongest earthquake felt in Colombia in the past decade.”
In his message Pope Leo offered prayers “for the eternal rest of the deceased and raises his prayers to the Lord for the speedy recovery of those affected by this tragedy,” in a telegramme to Archbishop Francisco Javier Múnera Correa of Cartagena, president of the Colombian Bishops’ Conference, signed by Pietro Cardinal Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.
In his message, published by the Vatican on August 11, the pope expressed his condolences “to the families who, in this hour of deep sorrow, mourn the loss of their loved ones” and offered assurances of his spiritual closeness.
He expressed “gratitude to all those who, with generous dedication, are working in the search, rescue, and assistance efforts for those affected.”
In his message the pope asked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and asked that “the Lord to pour out upon the beloved Colombian people the gifts of spiritual strength and Christian hope.”
…the pope expressed his condolences ‘to the families who, in this hour of deep sorrow, mourn the loss of their loved ones’ and offered assurances of his spiritual closeness
The Geological Service also reported that, as of the afternoon of August 10, the country had recorded 18 aftershocks with magnitudes between 1.4 and 4.8 since the initial earthquake.
In a message published on August 10, the Colombian Bishops’ Conference expressed its closeness to the victims of the deadly quake, as well as those who have been displaced.
“We pray for those who have lost their lives, that God may grant them eternal rest; for the persons who are still missing; for the injured, and for the affected families,” the bishops said.
The bishops also prayed for relief and medical personnel, as well as military and government authorities, “and all those who, with generosity and courage, are working in search, rescue, and care efforts for those affected.”
The statement said, “This painful moment reminds us that no one can face an emergency of this magnitude alone. Colombia is called, once again, to recognise itself as one family and to respond to the suffering of its brothers and sisters with generosity, responsibility, and solidarity.”
This painful moment reminds us that no one can face an emergency of this magnitude alone. Colombia is called, once again, to recognise itself as one family and to respond to the suffering of its brothers and sisters with generosity, responsibility, and solidarity
Colombian Bishops’ Conference
Among the videos of the destruction wrought by the earthquake was that of the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Manizales, as well as several churches that were heavily damaged in the aftermath.
The Archdiocese of Manizales also shared a 10-second video showing a Mass taking place as the earthquake struck in the morning.
In a video message to the city’s faithful, Archbishop José Miguel Gómez of Manizales said that while the archdiocese continues to assess the damage to churches, “the most important thing is you, the faithful, the priests, and all our neighbours who suffered the same.”
Archbishop Gómez said, “God, our Lord, never abandons us, and it is in these moments when, lifting our eyes to him, we must all, with humility and simplicity, ask him for the graces we need to live through these difficulties.”
The archbishop also invoked the intercession of Our Lady of the Rosary, asking her to “console and comfort” those affected by the natural disaster. He also urged people to follow guidelines given by the authorities.
“And, following those instructions, always seek to be attentive to those who suffer the most, so that no person is left without care in these difficult times,” he said before imparting his blessing.
The Colombian Bishops’ Conference said dioceses across the country are setting up collection points to ensure food distribution to shelters, hospitals and communities in the affected areas.
Caritas Colombia, the conference said, activated its National Emergency Service “to raise funds to directly help the jurisdictions and communities that were most affected by this tragedy.”
