Pope Leo XIV expresses closeness to victims of Indonesia earthquake

By Vatican News

Pope Leo XIV was “deeply saddened” to learn of the “devastation” caused by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara region on the morning of Saturday, 15 August.

The provisional death toll stands at 53, with 135 people injured and 13,000 left homeless.

In a telegram addressed to Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD, of Ende, and signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope offers “the assurance of his spiritual solidarity and closeness to those suffering the continuing effects of this disaster, particularly for the many displaced and injured.”

The Pope also encourages the ecclesial and civil authorities “as they continue to provide humanitarian assistance” and prays “for the emergency personnel engaged in recovery efforts.”

Finally, he commends the dead “to the loving mercy of Almighty God” and invokes “the divine blessings of consolation and strength.”

Extensive human and material damage

The first powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the island of Flores on Saturday and was followed by numerous aftershocks throughout the day. Several hours later, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the island of Sumatra.

In addition to the loss of life, the earthquakes caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.

According to Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency, more than 900 homes were destroyed and another 450 damaged. At least 167 public buildings, including schools, healthcare centres and churches, were rendered unusable.

Thousands of displaced people have sought shelter in temporary accommodation.