Pope Leo XIV has expressed his sorrow following a devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Afghanistan’s eastern region, which killed hundreds and injured thousands. Source: OSV News.
In a telegram sent yesterday on the Pope’s behalf, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, said the Pope was “deeply saddened by the significant loss of life caused by the earthquake in the area of eastern Afghanistan” and offered prayers “for the souls of the deceased, for the injured and for those still missing”.
According to the US Geological Survey, the epicentre of the August 31 earthquake was near Jalalabad, about 150 kilometres miles from the Afghan capital of Kabul.
“Entrusting all affected by this disaster to the providence of the Almighty, he expresses his heartfelt solidarity in particular with those who mourn the loss of loved ones and with the emergency personnel and civil authorities involved in rescue and recovery efforts,” Cardinal Parolin wrote.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said via his X account that the earthquake caused “loss of life and property damage,” and that local “officials and residents are currently engaged in rescue efforts for the affected people”.
“Support teams from the centre and nearby provinces are also on their way,” he added.
Abdul Mateen Qane, spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of the Interior, said that, as of yesterday an estimated 800 people were killed and some 2500 have been injured by the natural disaster, Afghan news network TOLO News reported.
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Pope ‘saddened’ by deadly earthquake in eastern Afghanistan (By Junno Arocho Esteves, OSV News)
