Indonesia earthquake: Pope Leo XIV expresses solidarity with victims

Pope Leo XIV has expressed his solidarity with the people of Indonesia following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the country’s eastern coast on August 15. In a telegram sent on August 17 via Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope expressed deep sadness regarding the devastation, particularly in the East Nusa Tenggara region.

The earthquake has resulted in at least 53 deaths and left more than 5,000 people displaced. Severe structural damage has been reported across hundreds of buildings, with significant impact noted on Flores Island and in North Sumatra. The message, addressed to Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden of Ende, offered spiritual closeness to the injured and displaced while encouraging civil and religious authorities to maintain humanitarian efforts.