In a swift response to the devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia, Pope Leo XIV has expressed his solidarity with the victims and dispatched an initial emergency financial donation to support immediate relief efforts. Speaking during his General Audience on Wednesday, August 12, the Pontiff renewed his prayers and condolences for the families of the victims, emergency responders, and the entire nation as search-and-rescue teams continue to navigate the damage, which has claimed over 200 lives.
The Holy See’s support includes an immediate financial aid package of €100,000 sent through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity. Directed to Caritas Colombia (the National Secretariat for Social Pastoral Care), the funds will be distributed across the most severely affected dioceses to address urgent, short-term needs. This assistance follows ongoing coordination between Apostolic Almoner Archbishop Luis MarÃn de San MartÃn, the Apostolic Nunciature, and Cardinal Francisco Javier Múnera Correa, president of the Colombian Bishops’ Conference.
This relief initiative mirrors a similar response by the Vatican following the major earthquake in Venezuela this past June. The Dicastery is currently compiling a formal needs assessment in dialogue with local ecclesiastical leaders to determine additional follow-up aid. Emphasizing the Church’s ongoing commitment, Archbishop MarÃn de San MartÃn noted that as part of the “family of God,” the Church remains dedicated to responding to human suffering with fraternity, speed, and practical assistance.