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Pope Leo prays for Filipinos affected by massive earthquake
Pope Leo XIV prays for the dozens of people killed in a recent earthquake in the Philippines, and welcomes new Blesseds into the Church.
By Devin Watkins
A massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the Philippines on June 8, triggering tsunami warnings across several countries.
Speaking at the Angelus prayer on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV expressed his sorrow for the 37 people who were killed in the quake and its aftermath.
The Pope asked everyone to pray for the victims and their families.
“I assure my closeness to the people of the Philippines, who were struck a few days ago by a strong earthquake,” he said. “I pray for the deceased and their families, for the injured, and for all those who are suffering because of this calamity.”
Recent beatifications
Separately, Pope Leo welcomed the beatifications of several new Blesseds from various parts of the world.
He recalled the diocesan priests, Fr. Venceslao Drbola and Fr. Giovanni Bula, from Moravia; and Fr. Giovanni Świerc and eight companions, Polish Salesian priests.
“All were beatified as martyrs, because they were victims of persecution by totalitarian regimes on account of their fidelity to Christ,” he said.
Pope Leo then pointed to Blessed Nazareno Lanciotti, an Italian missionary priest who was beatified in Mato Grosso, Brazil, on Saturday, saying he defended the poorest and most vulnerable.
“May the example and intercession of these courageous witnesses sustain the mission of priests and of the whole Church,” he said.
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