reflections, updates and homilies from Deacon Mike Talbot inspired by the following words from my ordination: Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach...
Pope Leo XIV expresses closeness to victims of Indonesia earthquake
In a telegram signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Leo assures those affected by the 15 August earthquake in Indonesia of his “spiritual solidarity and closeness” and encourages ongoing humanitarian and recovery efforts.
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.
Pope sends financial aid to areas of Colombia hit by earthquake
Pope Leo makes an initial emergency donation to the dioceses in Colombia affected by Monday's 7.4-magnitude earthquake.
By Salvatore Cernuzio
Pope Leo has expressed his solidarity with the people of Colombia, devastated by the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the western part of the country. His closeness was conveyed in his remarks during Wednesday’s General Audience, held on August 12, when he renewed his condolences and prayers for the victims, rescue workers and the entire Colombian people.
The Pope's solidarity has also taken concrete form through an initial emergency financial contribution sent by the Pope through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity. The funds are intended for dioceses affected by the earthquake and follow on from discussions between the Prefect of the Dicastery, Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, the Apostolic Nunciature, and the local Bishops’ Conference.
The Pope’s appeal
Yesterday, as Civil Protection teams and other emergency services searched through the rubble of collapsed buildings and churches and issued initial estimates of the death toll — more than 200, according to the latest figures — the Pope sent a telegram expressing his sorrow and solidarity with the entire country.
Today, at the General Audience, the Pope again expressed his “solidarity” with “our brothers and sisters in Colombia who have suffered the consequences of the recent earthquake, which has caused many deaths and injuries, as well as extensive material damage.”
While praying to the Lord “for the eternal repose of the deceased,” Leo also assured his listeners of his prayers for the victims and their families, and “all those who have mobilized in rescue and assistance operations.”
Emergency aid
As he did for Venezuela, which was also struck by a powerful earthquake in June, the Pope immediately sent an initial financial contribution to Colombia as a concrete sign of solidarity in this time of emergency.
The sum of €100,000 was sent directly to the National Secretariat for Social Pastoral Care – Caritas Colombia, which serves as the Church's centralized coordination center for the collection and distribution of aid. The organization will ensure that the assistance reaches the dioceses affected by the earthquake.
The amount was agreed upon with the recipients and represents a first contribution intended to address the most immediate needs. Further concrete assistance will follow as needs are identified and promptly communicated to the Dicastery.
Alms and the ‘family of God’
Indeed, dialogue begun in the first hours after the disaster continues between Apostolic Almoner Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín and the president of the Colombian Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Francisco Javier Múnera Correa, who has briefed him on the situation in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, a report is being prepared to assess the most urgent needs, again at the initiative of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity. “The Church is the family of God,” the Prefect said, “a Church attentive to suffering and need, responding with fraternity and effectiveness.”
Colombian Bishops appeal for solidarity after devastating earthquake
The powerful earthquake struck the west of the country and was felt across much of Colombia. The death toll so far stands at more than 130 confirmed fatalities, with nearly 600 people injured. Pereira is the city with the highest number of casualties, while in Manizales buildings, hospitals, schools and places of worship have been damaged. Six airports have been closed for safety inspections. Search and rescue operations are continuing.
By Stefano Leszczynski
A powerful earthquake struck western Colombia yesterday, 10 August, leaving more than 130 people dead and 570 confirmed injured, with many still missing.
Extensive damage has been reported in several cities, while emergency teams continue to search for people who may remain trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
The earthquake, initially measured at magnitude 7.4 according to assessments released in the hours following the event, had its epicentre in the area of San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó, in the west of the country. The tremor was felt across a large part of Colombia and beyond the country's borders.
Pereira the hardest-hit city
The most serious situation is reported in Pereira, one of the main population centres in western Colombia. The priority remains reaching people who may be trapped under the rubble and securing damaged buildings. The earthquake affected a very large area, making an overall assessment of the damage more difficult because of the impact of the tremor on infrastructure and communications.
The consequences have been particularly severe in Manizales. According to initial reports, more than ten buildings were completely destroyed, while more than twenty residential structures sustained damage of varying degrees. Hospitals, schools and churches were also affected. Damage was reported at Manizales Cathedral, one of the city's principal religious landmarks. Images and initial accounts from the affected areas show rubble in the streets and damaged structures, while authorities are urging residents to stay away from buildings considered unsafe.
The earthquake also caused collapses in Cali, where rescue teams have intervened at several locations across the city. Initial reports indicate that people were trapped beneath the rubble and that healthcare facilities were damaged. Injuries and infrastructure damage have also been reported in Quibdó, the capital of the department of Chocó.
The local Church responds
The presidency of the Colombian Bishops' Conference expressed its solidarity and prayers for the victims, those still missing, the injured and the affected families, entrusting the work of rescuers to God.
The Bishops said that this is an emergency of such magnitude that it cannot be faced individually but requires the country to recognize itself as one family and to respond to suffering with generosity, responsibility and solidarity.
The Bishops of the affected areas have issued numerous appeals for mobilisation. At the humanitarian level, food banks have launched campaigns to collect aid to be distributed among survivors.
Six airports closed
The earthquake has also disrupted transport links. Colombia's Civil Aviation Authority, Aerocivil, ordered operations suspended at six airports in western Colombia: Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura.
The decision was taken to allow inspections of runways, terminals and other airport infrastructure affected by the powerful tremor. Flights will remain suspended until the necessary checks have been completed to ensure the safety of operations.
The measure could further complicate the delivery of aid to the hardest-hit areas, just as emergency teams and healthcare facilities are being mobilised.
Tremor felt across much of the country
The earthquake was initially assessed by the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre at a lower magnitude, before being revised upwards. Subsequent estimates put the event at magnitude 7.4, with its epicenter in the area of San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó.
The earthquake was strongly felt in numerous locations across western and central Colombia. The ground also shook in the capital, Bogotá, while the tremors were felt beyond Colombia's borders, particularly in some areas of neighboring countries.
Colombia lies in a region characterized by significant seismic activity, linked to the interaction of several tectonic plates. The western Andean region is particularly exposed.
The country still remembers the devastating earthquake that struck the Eje Cafetero on 25 January 1999, killing more than a thousand people and causing enormous damage, particularly in Armenia, but also in Pereira and numerous other towns across the region.
Search operations continue
In the hardest-hit cities, the emergency is still unfolding. Firefighters, civil protection teams, medical personnel and security forces are concentrating their efforts on searching for missing people and assisting those forced to leave homes and other structures considered unsafe.
Authorities are also assessing the stability of hospitals, schools, churches, homes and public infrastructure. The true scale of the disaster will only become clear once assessments have been completed in the areas closest to the epicentre.
In Pereira, where the highest number of victims has so far been recorded, rescue operations continue amid the rubble.
Caritas Venezuela: 14,700 tons of humanitarian aid received
The organization has published its first official bulletin, providing figures and data on relief efforts carried out between 25 June and 6 July. A nationwide and international mobilization has enabled assistance to reach up to 40,000 people affected by the earthquake.
By Giovanni Zavatta
Around 14,700 tons of humanitarian aid have reached Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes that struck the country's north on 24 June. Of that total, 9,000 tons have already been distributed, while 5,700 tons remain in warehouses, ready for the next phases of the relief operation.
According to the first official bulletin released by Caritas Venezuela—Tras el temblor, el amor ("After the Tremor, Love")—the response has also included the delivery of 73,356 units of medical supplies and medicines through 26 collection points across Greater Caracas and La Guaira, as well as 8,000 comprehensive relief kits, 5,000 food packages, 3,000 hygiene kits, and 1,000 kits for emergency response teams.
The report provides a detailed account of the humanitarian operation carried out during the twelve days from 25 June to 6 July in response to the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes. It outlines a relief effort that combined the large-scale distribution of aid with a rigorous system for tracking every shipment. The dossier includes detailed statistics, a breakdown of assistance by sector, a map of operations across the country, and photographic documentation of the response.
More than 8,000 families receive comprehensive assistance
From the first hours after the disaster—which has so far claimed more than 3,800 confirmed lives—Caritas Venezuela activated its diocesan and parish network to assist the hardest-hit communities, including La Guaira, the Capital District of Caracas, and several regions in central and western Venezuela.
Water accounted for the largest share of the aid distributed, totaling 4,031 tons, followed by 3,247 tons of food. More than 8,000 families received comprehensive assistance, representing an estimated 32,000 to 40,000 people. Overall, around 730,000 food rations have been distributed.
An army of 3,360 volunteers
Caritas describes its volunteers as the "heart" of the emergency response. On average, 280 of the organization's 3,360 registered volunteers take part in relief operations each day, each contributing around seven and a half hours of service, for a combined total of 2,100 volunteer hours daily in support of affected families.
Their work has been reinforced by volunteer teams from Puerto Rico and Chile. The wider Caritas network—from the United States to Latin America and the Caribbean, and from Spain to Germany—has also deployed specialists to work alongside local teams in areas including water and sanitation, risk management, nutrition, and shelter.
Caritas Italiana remains in close contact with Caritas Venezuela and immediately launched a fundraising campaign to support the emergency response. As previously announced, the Italian Bishops' Conference has allocated an initial €500,000 to finance urgent relief efforts.
Aid distribution guided by transparency
Caritas Venezuela stresses that every shipment of humanitarian assistance is documented through numbered and signed delivery records, together with transfer logs, ensuring full traceability throughout the operation.
The organization has also urged donors to channel contributions exclusively through its official platforms and to be wary of unverified accounts.
The bulletin notes that the resources mobilized so far cover only the initial emergency phase, while recovery and reconstruction will require sustained solidarity over the longer term.
The dossier also includes testimonies from local bishops, who have remained close to affected communities through an intensive pastoral presence and direct support for those suffering in the wake of the disaster.
Pope Leo prays for victims of Venezuela earthquake
Following the recitation of the Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV turned his thoughts to Venezuela, which has been tragically struck by two powerful earthquakes that have claimed nearly 3,000 lives. The Pope also remembered the recent beatification of Vietnamese priest Francis Xavier Tru’o’ng Bǚu, who was killed out of hatred for the faith.
By Benedetta Capelli
Following the recitation of the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV addressed the crowds in Spanish to express his care and closeness to Venezuelans who have been mourning the loss of their loved ones since the devastating earthqualkes that struck on June 24 . The death toll continues to rise following the two earthquakes that irreparably devastated La Guaira, the epicenter of the disaster about 40 kilometers from the capital, Caracas.
"I continue to remember in my prayers the victims of the earthquake and all the Venezuelan people. May the Lord sustain them in this time of great hardship."
The country has now registered nearly 3,000 deaths from the twin earthquakes, one of the most powerful and devastating disasters in Latin America. Many displaced people are still living on the streets or in makeshift shelters under precarious conditions, while international rescue teams are gradually ending their search for survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
Support for the Workers of the Gospel
The Pope also recalled the beatification, celebrated on July 2nd at the Tac Say Shrine in Vietnam, of Father Francis Xavier Tru’o’ng Bǚu, who was killed in 1946 out of hatred for the faith. The ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Louis Antonio Gokim Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, who described the priest as "a missionary par excellence." Pope Leo XIV presented him as an example of closeness to the people.
"Amid oppression and violence, he defended the rights of the people and did not abandon his parishioners. May his intercession and prayers strengthen all those who proclaim the Gospel in situations of persecution today."
Finally, the Pope greeted those gathered in Saint Peter's Square. Speaking in Portuguese, he welcomed pilgrims from Brazil and the Choir of the University of Mérida in Venezuela. He also greeted several Polish groups, as well as groups of Italian faithful from Bellagio on Lake Como and from Sicily.
Pope Leo prays for Venezuela as quake death toll rises
Pope Leo XIV expresses his solidarity and calls for prayers for the people of Venezuela, as the death toll from two earthquakes rises sharply.
By Devin Watkins
As he prayed the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV spoke in Spanish to express his closeness to Venezuela, where two massive earthquakes struck in quick succession this week.
He invited everyone to join him in praying for victims and their families, as well as for the work of rescue crews.
“I wish to express my closeness to the Venezuelan sisters and brothers affected by the recent earthquakes that have caused numerous victims and injured, as well as great material damages,” he said. As we pray to the Lord for the eternal repose of the deceased, I renew my spiritual closeness to their families, the injured, and those struck by this tragedy. At the same time, I express my gratitude and support to those who are generously carrying out search and rescue efforts.”
As he concluded the Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals on Saturday evening, Pope Leo shared the closeness of all the College of Cardinals with the people of Venezuela.
“We assure our prayers for the victims, their families, and all those suffering the consequences of this tragedy,” he said. “We ask that the solidarity of the international community may not be lacking toward that dear nation.”
Rescue crews working around the clock
Rescue crews have been working tirelessly to dig through the rubble in La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit states.
The death toll rose on Saturday to nearly 1,500 victims, with almost 70,000 people still missing.
On Wednesday, a 7.2- and a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the region.
Pope Leo XIV immediately sent an initial donation of 100,000 euros to assist victims and their families.
The humanitarian aid was sent through the Apostolic Almoner's Office and was coordinated with the Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela, Archbishop Alberto Ortega Martín, and the Archbishop of Caracas, Archbishop Raúl Biord Castillo.
Catholic communities and charities across the country have mobilized by opening parish buildings to shelter displaced families and offer emergency assistance through local Caritas networks.
Pope closes Consistory, 'an experience of communion at service of mission'
Pope Leo XIV delivers his closing address for the Extraordinary Synod of Cardinals, focusing on hope, synodality, and the Church’s responsibility in a world marked by war and a crisis in human relationships.
By Sebastián Sansón Ferrari
Before offering a concluding reflection of the Extraordinary Consistory held from 26 to 27 June 2026 at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV expressed his closeness, together with the entire College of Cardinals, to the people of Venezuela, “severely struck by the violent earthquake of these days.”
“We assure our prayers for the victims, for their families, and for all those suffering the consequences of this tragedy. We also entrust to the Lord all those involved in rescue operations, and we ask that the solidarity of the international community toward that beloved nation may not falter.,” the Pope added.
From the New Synod Hall on Saturday the 27th, Pope Leo delivered a wide-ranging address in which he began by emphasizing: “We now come to the end of these days with a deep sense of gratitude. I thank you for the freedom, fraternity, and ecclesial spirit with which you took part in our work. I carry with me not only the content of your reflections, but also the experience that made them possible.”
“We have sought together the will of the Lord, convinced that Christ continues to act in his Church: it is He who goes before us, gathers us, speaks through our brothers, and leads us in mission. Everything comes from Him and everything returns to Him,” he continued. For this reason, he said that “seeing Cardinals from such diverse Churches, cultures, and situations listening to one another and seeking together what best serves the Gospel has been for me a source of consolation and hope.”
At the heart of his reflection, the Pope insisted that synodality must not be understood as an organizational method or a sequence of meetings, but as a way of being Church.
The real question of synodality is not who has the power to decide, but 'how do we together safeguard the gift that the Lord has entrusted to his Church?'” he stated.
According to the Pope, this journey is born of encounter, grows through mutual listening, and matures through discernment guided by the Holy Spirit. He therefore asked the cardinals to promote the implementation of the synodal process in their particular Churches, fostering an authentic understanding of it.
The wounds of the world
Pope Leo also noted that during the Consistory the cardinals shared their concern for the wars, poverty, injustices, and violence affecting many peoples around the world. However, he said that behind these tragedies lies an even deeper crisis: "loneliness, the crisis of relationships, the loss of hope, and the difficulty of recognizing one another as brothers and sisters."
The Pope particularly highlighted the situation of young people, whose search for meaning and authenticity—and, in some cases, suffering that even leads to taking one’s own life—represents "one of the deepest wounds of our time."
A moment during the closing of the Consistory (@Vatican Media)
He also underlined the importance of the family as a school of relationships, solidarity, and hope. In this context, he announced a meeting in October with the leaders of the Eastern Churches and the presidents of episcopal conferences to evaluate the reception of Amoris Laetitia, in which families will also take part.
A culture of dialogue against the logic of war
One passage of the address was dedicated to peace. In it, Pope Leo stated that the cardinals clearly grasped one of the insights of the encyclical Magnifica humanitas: War does not arise only from conflicts between states, but from a “culture of power” that permeates human relationships, economics, politics, technology, and even religion.
In response, he proposed rebuilding a culture of cooperation and dialogue, strengthening multilateralism, and promoting the participation of lay people in public life inspired by the Church’s social doctrine.
The Pope also defended non-violent response as a profoundly evangelical option, clarifying that it does not mean passivity, but rather confronting conflicts without reproducing the logic of hatred.
In this context, he revealed that several working groups had requested deeper theological and pastoral reflection on legitimate defense in light of the changes affecting contemporary conflicts.
A Church that witnesses before it organizes
Pope Leo insisted that the renewal of the Church does not depend only on structural reforms, but above all on the witness of communities capable of living the Gospel credibly.
“The Church is called to become ever more fully what it proclaims,” he said, emphasizing that all institutional reform will bear fruit only if it arises from encounter with Christ and sacramental life.
The Pope also reiterated his intention to continue this annual gathering starting next year. He clarified that the date has not yet been set, but he hopes to announce it by the end of this year.
A final appeal for peace
At the conclusion of his address, Pope Leo fully adopted as his own the unanimous appeal that emerged from the Consistory and invited the cardinals to pass it on to all the churches and peoples of the world.
“God continues to open paths of reconciliation and peace in history. We have the responsibility to walk them with courage and to help the world recognize them,” he said.
He also thanked everyone for their contribution, “as well as the Relators, the Moderators, and all those who, with generosity and discretion, made these days of work and fraternity possible.”
“Thank you for helping me, once again, to recognize the work that Christ continues to accomplish among his people and in the world. We entrust the fruits of this Consistory to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. May she teach us to preserve unity in diversity and to serve the Gospel of peace with humility, courage, and hope. Thank you!”
