Pope Francis has sent his condolences to the Church and civil authorities in Myanmar and Thailand after a powerful earthquake killed over 150 people and caused widespread devastation in the region. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, on 28 March, followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock.
The Pope’s message, sent on his behalf by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, expressed his heartfelt prayers for the souls of the deceased and his spiritual closeness to all affected by the tragedy. He also prayed for the emergency personnel, asking that they be sustained in their care of the injured and displaced by the divine gifts of fortitude and perseverance.
The earthquake has had a devastating impact on Myanmar, which is already grappling with an ongoing civil war and a worsening humanitarian crisis. The country’s military junta has declared a state of emergency in several regions and appealed to the international community for humanitarian assistance. Catholic communities in Myanmar have also been affected, with several churches in Mandalay sustaining damage.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency teams searching for survivors amid widespread destruction. Authorities in both Myanmar and Thailand are assessing the full extent of the damage while coordinating relief efforts. Local Church leaders have urged Catholics to support those left homeless, and Pope Francis’ message of condolence and prayer has added to the outpouring of support for the affected regions.