Pope Leo offers prayers for Cebu earthquake victims
MANILA, Philippines — Pope Leo XIV expressed his heartfelt closeness to the Filipino people, offering prayers for those most impacted by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu.
“I express my closeness to the beloved Filipino people, and in particular, I pray for those who have been most harshly affected by the consequences of the earthquake,” Leo said in a message delivered in Itaian after the Jubilee Mass at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Sunday, October 5 (Manila time).
“Let us remain united and solidary in our trust in God and in the intercession of His Mother in every danger,” he added.
Leo first extended his sympathies to the victims of the Cebu earthquake on October 2, according to Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy, who said the message was conveyed through Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown.
It can be recalled that Leo, also known as Robert Prevost, visited the Philippines several times when he was still the superior general of the Augustinians.
According to CBCP News, Leo has visited Cebu five times.
Meanwhile, the latest report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council recorded a death toll of 71 and 559 injuries due to the powerful earthquake that struck on September 30.
In response, Uy, whom Leo appointed as the archdiocese’s prelate, ordered an assessment of the structural integrity of the churches.
— with reports from Cristina Chi
- Latest
- Trending
