Pope Leo XIV has sent aid to Nepal following devastating floods which have killed more than 900 people and left more than 4,000 missing. The Holy Father encouraged the faithful to pray for those who have died, were injured or are currently missing and for the success of the ongoing emergency response.
“May everyone’s concern and commitment help to alleviate suffering and bring the necessary assistance to the affected populations,” he said following his recitation of the Angelus on Sunday.
On August 26, landslides and flash floods travelling 62 miles devastated land across the Nepal-Tibet border, including sweeping away homes, caused by a glacial collapse. The financial aid sent by the Holy Father was made in coordination with the Apostolic Nunciature of Nepal to assist Caritas Nepal in providing immediate assistance with food, basic necessities and shelter.
Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín called the aid a “rapid and concrete sign to convey, especially to the most vulnerable, the closeness and tenderness of the Holy Father, like a caress from the Church that accompanies and supports them”.
In response to the floods, the Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) called on the Church to “remember the victims and the people of Nepal” during Sunday Mass on August 30.
“The Catholic Church in India remains united in prayer with the people of Nepal during this time of tragedy, asking the compassionate Lord to grant comfort to the bereaved, healing to the injured, courage to those involved in relief efforts and hope to all those affected,” the bishops said in a statement.
Cardinal Poola Anthony of Hyderabad, President of the CBCI, said: “We share in your grief and entrust the departed souls to the mercy of God. We also earnestly pray for all those who are still reported missing and for the success of the ongoing rescue and relief operations. We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and for strength and hope for all those who have been displaced.”
Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, Eparch of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles and President of the US bishops’ conference, called on the international community to “mobilise greater humanitarian assistance support for vulnerable families and communities in Nepal”.
“As we learn more about the devastating flash floods in Nepal, I offer the prayers and solidarity of the Catholic community in the United States for our brothers and sisters impacted by this disaster,” he said.
“I also encourage long-term efforts to help affected communities rebuild their homes, livelihoods and critical infrastructure. Catholic Relief Services, the international relief agency of the Church in the United States, is closely monitoring the emergency and coordinating with Caritas Nepal and local partners to assess urgent needs and determine how best to support affected communities.”
