During his first Wednesday General Audience in September, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the Gaudium et Spes [Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World], saying that in a time of continuous global development, particularly rapid economic and social changes, the Church should not stand as an indifferent bystander.
It must discern the signs of the times, observing whether technological progress benefits only a select few or whether the digital divide is widening the gap between the rich and the poor. He called on people to listen to God’s call, pay closer attention to those around them and proactively serve those in need.
Over the past two months, natural disasters have struck central-northern Venezuela and western Colombia in South America, as well as Nepal in Asia. Powerful earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia caused buildings to collapse, resulting in thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of injuries, leaving many trapped under rubble.
Meanwhile, on 26 August, a glacier collapse in Nepal triggered a massive flooding, causing widespread devastation. Buildings and infrastructure were damaged across extensive areas, with dozens of homes swept away and entire villages buried, leaving many dead or injured and thousands reported missing. Search and rescue efforts have been severely hampered by adverse weather, limited resources, and hazardous terrain.
Witnessing these disasters unfold on television is distressing. Cardinal Stephen Chow S.J. urged the faithful to pray for victims and provide emergency relief. A special collection was taken during Masses to encourage mutual help and fraternal love.
Donations will be sent to disaster areas via Caritas-Hong Kong and Caritas Internationalis. Though the victims live thousands of kilometres away, the faithful remain united in spirit, reaching out in universal brotherhood.
Pope Leo previously expressed his condolences to the countries affected by these natural disasters. For instance, he phoned the president of Colombia to extend his sympathy and care to all victims, bereaved families, the injured, and rescue workers. Regarding Nepal, in addition to sending a telegramme expressing his grief, the pope provided financial assistance through the apostolic nunciature in Nepal to help address the most urgent needs of the disaster victims. Furthermore, Caritas Nepal initiated relief work in the early stages of the flooding, supplying food and daily necessities to those affected.
In the aftermath of such devastating disasters, some may blame or even question God: why would a merciful God allow such horrific events to occur? Indeed, we cannot comprehend God’s arrangements. But the swift provision of aid by numerous nations and humanitarian organisations, including both economic and emotional support, fully demonstrates our human compassion.
These tragedies prompt us to reconsider our attitudes toward neighbours, nature, and creation: As we pursue economic growth, do we ignore harm to the environment or turn blind eye to the vulnerable? SE
