Dorota Abdelmoula-Viet – Vatican
In a telegram addressed to Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden, Superior General of the Society of the Divine Word and Ordinary of the Archdiocese of Ende—where the earthquake-affected towns are located—the Pope assures of his “spiritual solidarity and closeness to the suffering, especially the numerous displaced persons and the injured.”
In the message, signed by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Leo XIV also addresses words of encouragement to the civil and church authorities providing assistance, and assures them of his prayers for those conducting rescue operations. He commends the deceased to Merciful God, and for all, “the Holy Father invokes God’s blessing, bringing comfort and strength.”
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia on August 15 at 5:58 AM local time. The epicenter of the tremors was located off the coast of Flores Island. As a result of the disaster, at least 53 people died.
