Prayers for Victims of Tragedies in Indonesia, Zimbabwe and Nepal

Pope Leo XIV expressed his deep sorrow and spiritual closeness to people affected by tragedies in Indonesia, Zimbabwe, and Nepal during the month of August.

In a telegram addressed to Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD, of Ende, the Holy Father expressed his “spiritual solidarity and closeness to those suffering the continuing effects” of the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the Region of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, on Saturday morning, 15 August, killing at least 1oo people, injuring over 1,500 and leaving thousands homeless.

The Pope also encouraged the ecclesial and civil authorities as they continued to provide humanitarian assistance and ensured his prayers “for the emergency personnel engaged in recovery efforts”.

On Tuesday, 18 August, in a telegram signed by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy Father expressed his grief for the victims of the ferry disaster in Zimbabwe, and prayed for all affected by the tragedy.

The accident claimed the lives of more than 90 people, including numerous children. In the telegram, the Pope expressed his “heartfelt condolences” to the bereaved, and offered his prayers for the Civil Authorities and emergency personnel who responded to the tragedy. He entrusted the souls of those who died “to the loving mercy of Almighty God”; and invoked “the Divine Blessings of consolation, healing and strength”.

On Thursday, 27 August, the Pope expressed his sadness over the loss of life and widespread devastation caused by flash floods in Nepal. The Pope assured all those affected by the disaster of his “spiritual closeness” and prayed for the “emergency personnel engaged in the ongoing rescue efforts”. The telegram concluded with the Pope’s prayers for God’s assistance and protection upon the people of Nepal.

More than 1,250 people have died in Nepal, while thousands remain unaccounted for after a devastating torrent of water, mud and debris swept through communities near the country’s northern border with China. Hundreds more are missing in neighbouring Tibet, bringing the total number of people unaccounted for across the affected region to almost 1,500.

The Vatican announced that Pope Leo, through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, had sent financial assistance to Caritas Nepal to help meet the most urgent needs of people affected by the disaster.