Pope Leo urges release of Haiti hostages, aid for Nepal after deadly floods

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

“From Haiti come terrible reports of the grave massacre perpetrated in Kenscoff, in which numerous people have lost their lives while others have been kidnapped. I express my prayerful closeness to the victims and their families and ask that all the hostages be released without delay. I make a heartfelt appeal to all those responsible to make a concrete commitment to ensuring the safety of the population and putting an end to every form of violence.”

Pope Leo XIV made the appeal following the recitation of the Angelus prayer on Sunday at noon in Castel Gandolfo, where he stayed overnight after taking part Saturday evening in the Marian procession of Our Lady of the Lake on Lake Albano.

Massacre and desperation in Kenscoff

Alleviate the suffering of Nepal and Tibet

Following the appeal for Haiti, Pope Leo assured those affected by the devastating flooding in Nepal and Tibet of his prayers. He invited the faithful to pray for those who have died, the injured and missing, their families, and the rescuers involved in the ongoing emergency response.

“May everyone’s concern and commitment,” he prayed, “help to alleviate suffering and bring the necessary assistance to the affected populations.”

The Vatican announced Saturday 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.

Death toll exceeds 700 and thousands displaced

In coordination with the Apostolic Nunciature of Nepal, the Pope’s contribution will support Caritas Nepal, which operates under the direction of the Apostolic Vicariate, in its relief efforts. These began in the first hours following the disaster and include providing food, basic necessities, and shelter to people who have lost everything.

Relief operations are continuing as the death toll in the affected regions rises, with more than 700 people reported dead between Nepal and Tibet and at least 3,000 still missing.

In a telegram sent Thursday and signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, Pope Leo expressed his sorrow over the loss of life and widespread destruction. He commended the souls of those who died “to the clemency of the Almighty” and offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved.

He also assured those affected by the disaster of his spiritual closeness and prayed for the emergency personnel engaged in ongoing search-and-rescue operations.

A renewed appeal for peace

Pope Leo then urged the faithful to continue praying for peace, recalling the words of Saint Augustine, whose liturgical memorial was celebrated on August 28.

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The Pope recalled Augustine’s image of peace as being like “the bread of the miracle that grew in the hands of the disciples as they broke it and distributed it.”

“May the number increase throughout the world,” he prayed, “of those who courageously break and distribute the bread of peace, overcoming divisions, promoting justice, and practicing forgiveness, for the good of all.”

Prayer for Creation

Finally, the Holy Father recalled in English that on Tuesday, September 1, the Church will celebrate the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.

“This marks the beginning of the Season of Creation – observed by Christians of various denominations – whose theme this year is ‘Living Water.’”

“As I recalled in the Message for this Day,” Pope Leo reiterated, “caring for our common home calls for a conversion of heart, so that what has been used to bring about destruction may instead be directed toward life.”

“I invite everyone to join in prayer and action, that we may become channels of the living water of God’s peace, refreshing our wounded world.”