Pope Leo XIV prays for Mindanao earthquake victims

National

POPE Leo XIV has expressed his support and prayers for Filipinos affected by the powerful earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8.

Speaking during the Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Sunday, the pope assured the Filipino people of his closeness during this difficult time.

“I assure the people of the Philippines, struck a few days ago by a powerful earthquake, of my closeness,” he said.

The pontiff also offered prayers for those who lost loved ones and those suffering from the effects of the disaster.

“I pray for the deceased and their families, for the wounded and for all those suffering because of this disaster,” he added.

The pope also called on the faithful to pray for the victims and their families.

Pope Leo XIV has visited the Philippines several times before becoming pope as part of his work with the Augustinian Order.

As of June 14, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported 61 fatalities, 1,403 injured individuals, and 40 persons still missing in the aftermath of the earthquake.

The government continues relief, recovery, and search operations in affected areas as communities work to rebuild from the disaster.(Jhenevive Etang, PIT Communication Intern)