Salvatore Cernuzio – Vatican
Leo XIV already on Tuesday, August 11, sent a telegram, signed by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, in which he assured of his prayers for the victims, the injured, and all those providing assistance in Colombia, where a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck.
A day later, during the general audience, the Pope again expressed his closeness to the people of Colombia. He assured them of his prayers for the eternal rest of the deceased and for their families, as well as for all those affected by this tragedy. He expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in rescue operations and helping those affected.
Through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, the Pope also sent the first emergency financial aid to the dioceses affected by the earthquake. The Prefect of the Dicastery, Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, is in constant contact with the Nunciature and the Colombian Episcopal Conference.
Initial aid in the crisis situation
As in the case of Venezuela, which was also hit by a strong earthquake in June, in the face of the tragedy in Colombia the Pope immediately sent initial financial aid as a concrete sign of solidarity in the crisis situation. This is the sum of 100,000 euros sent directly to the Secretariado Nacional de Pastoral Social-Cáritas Colombiana at the Episcopal Conference, which acts as the central coordination point for gathering and distributing aid, so that it can coordinate the delivery of assistance to the dioceses affected by the disaster.
This amount was agreed upon with the recipients and constitutes the first donation intended to meet the most urgent needs. Further concrete forms of assistance will be provided as needs are identified and promptly reported to the Dicastery.
Constant care of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity
From the first hours after the earthquake in Colombia, the Papal Almoner Archbishop de San Martin has been in constant contact with the Colombian Episcopate and the Nunciature. The Dicastery for the Service of Charity is preparing a report indicating the most urgent needs. “This is the Church as the family of God,” emphasizes Archbishop de San Martin, “a Church sensitive to suffering and needs, which responds with fraternity and effectiveness.”
