Jakarta, ThedailyID — Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep sorrow over the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Indonesia, on Saturday, August 15.
The Pope sent his condolences through a Vatican telegram to Archbishop of Ende Mgr. Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin signed the message.
The Indonesian Embassy to the Holy See shared the message on Thursday, August 20.
Pope Leo XIV said he was “very saddened” by the destruction and suffering caused by the earthquake. He also expressed solidarity and spiritual closeness with affected communities.
“Pope conveys solidarity and spiritual closeness to all communities affected,” the Indonesian Embassy to the Holy See said, citing the telegram, Friday (21/08).
In addition, the Pope urged Church leaders and civil authorities to continue providing humanitarian assistance. He also offered prayers for comfort and strength for affected families and communities.
The earthquake has killed at least 75 people and injured 907 others, according to Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
Meanwhile, authorities have urged residents across NTT to remain alert as aftershocks continue. By Thursday at 4 p.m. Jakarta time, authorities had recorded 3,752 aftershocks in the affected areas.
One aftershock struck on Thursday at around 10:47 a.m. local time. The quake measured 5.7 in magnitude.
Several international leaders have also expressed condolences following the disaster. They include Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
