Pope Leo XIV donates 100,000 euros to aid Colombia earthquake victims

Pope Leo XIV has donated 100,000 euros (approximately $115,345) to provide humanitarian relief for victims of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia on August 10, 2026.

The funds, distributed through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, will be managed by Caritas Colombia to address urgent needs in heavily damaged dioceses, including Cali, Pereira, and Quibdó. The Colombian Bishops’ Conference stated that this initial response will be supplemented by further assistance as new needs are identified.

President Abelardo de la Espriella reported a death toll of 265, though civilian databases suggest as many as 4,000 people remain missing. The earthquake has caused extensive material damage and significant casualties across the region. In addition to Vatican aid, the United States has offered $15.5 million in humanitarian assistance, and neighboring countries such as Mexico and El Salvador have provided food and medical supplies.