Catholic Church works to support Colombia after devastating earthquake

As Colombia grapples with the devastation of a historic 7.4 earthquake and as the search for survivors continues, Catholic faithful and organizations have been striving to support the victims with prayer, food, and donations. 

The earthquake rocked Western Colombia the morning of Aug. 10, collapsing a number of buildings and destroying or damaging more than 1,000 homes. As of Aug. 12, the estimated death toll has risen to at least 265 people, according to Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, CBS News reported. 

Archbishop José Miguel Gómez Rodríguez of Manizales, Colombia, told Vatican News in an Aug. 12 interview that he estimates about half of the local churches and other ecclesial buildings “suffered serious damage,” noting in particular the damage incurred by the historic Manizales Cathedral. 

The archbishop recounted the harrowing effects of the natural disaster, saying that the experience of this particular earthquake “was extremely shocking.”  

“This is a seismic zone, and therefore it is not unusual for tremors to be felt from time to time. But this one was exceptionally violent; it seemed as though it was going to bring down absolutely everything built on the ground,” he told the outlet. 

Catholic Relief Services is sending aid to the country by support of the Catholic nonprofit Caritas Colombia, which is responding to affected families’ urgent need of shelter, food, medical care, and clean water. 

>> Trump administration announces $15.5M in aid after deadly Colombia earthquake << 

Archbishop Gomez told Vatican News that faithful have been quick to support the victims, saying that “the Church immediately offered assistance through the Food Bank.” 

He recounted that people have hastened to the Food Bank to make donations, and said, “Moved by a spirit of Christian charity and solidarity, many people were also ready and willing to begin helping.” 

Especially in the first few days after the natural disaster, food shortage will be a challenge, the archbishop said, but the most urgent situation is that of housing and shelter for many people who lost their homes completely or cannot yet return while damage is being assessed. In time, people will need household goods and other basic necessities restored as well, he added. 

The Church’s support for those suffering in Colombia extended up to Pope Leo XIV, who sent a message Aug. 11 to the Colombian Bishops’ Conference president expressing sorrow and prayers for the victims. In the telegram signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pontiff also offered his condolences to families who “in this hour of profound sorrow, mourn the loss of their loved ones.” He imparted his heartfelt Apostolic Blessing and invoked the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to “pour out upon the beloved Colombian people the gifts of spiritual strength and Christian hope.” 

Archbishop Gómez told Vatican News he is grateful for the Holy Father’s telegram, saying, “It represents a paternal kindness and closeness that here, particularly among this Colombian people and in this region of the country, are felt as the help and companionship of the Lord Jesus Christ himself, the shepherd of his Church, and as an encouragement to keep moving forward.” 

This week Pope Leo also sent an emergency financial contribution of 100,000 euro through the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Service of Charity that will financially support affected dioceses in Colombia, according to a separate Aug. 12 report from Vatican News. 

The archbishop noted that the local faithful are still “trying to praise and bless the Lord even in these circumstances,” having mentioned the extensive suffering all around. 

He also commented on the hope retained by the communities, saying, “there is the desire to begin rebuilding immediately.” 

“Even while the rubble is still being cleared,” he said, “there is a determination to move forward, to put things right again, and even to strengthen them.”