Posted by ReyFort Media
VATICAN— Pope Leo XIV on Sunday again expressed his closeness and concern for people affected by the deadly earthquake that recently struck Cebu and nearby provinces.
Speaking in Italian during his Sunday Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, the pope assured his prayers for the communities devastated by the 6.9-magnitude tremor.
“I express my closeness to the dear Filipino people, and in particular I pray for those who are most severely affected by the consequences of the earthquake,” the pope said.
“Faced with any danger, let us remain united and supportive in our trust in God and in the intercession of our Blessed Mother,” he said.
Before the Angelus, the pope celebrated Mass before more than 40,000 pilgrims for the Jubilee of Missions and Migrants.
The Sept. 30 earthquake killed at least 71 people and injured more than 500 others as many houses, buildings, and churches collapsed and roads cracked.
More than 200,000 people have been affected, including about 20,000 displaced, many of whom are camped outside their damaged homes and in evacuation centers.
Dioceses across the country have banded together to send aid to affected communities, including Masbate and Romblon provinces, which are still reeling from a recent storm.
Many bishops also ordered second collections during Sunday Masses to raise funds for relief assistance.
The Archdiocese of Cebu earlier launched a donation and relief drive for communities affected by the disaster.
Its “Hatag Paglaum” (Give Hope) initiative allows donors to directly support tailored relief kits — including medicine, and family, household, and tent kits — to ensure aid reaches families most affected by the earthquake.
ReyFort Media 
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