Pope Leo expresses condolences over NTT earthquake

Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep sorrow and concern over the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday (15/8).

The condolence message was posted on the social media page of the Indonesian Embassy to the Holy See (KBRI Vatikan) on Thursday (20/8).

In a telegram addressed to the Archbishop of Ende, Mgr. Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD, and signed by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Leo XIV stated that he was “deeply saddened” by the destruction and suffering caused by the disaster.

“The Pope conveys his solidarity and spiritual closeness to all affected communities,” the KBRI Vatikan stated, quoting the telegram from the supreme leader of the world’s Catholics.

The earthquake resulted in at least 75 fatalities and 907 injuries, according to data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

BNPB has urged residents in NTT to remain alert and prepared amid the continuing high level of aftershock activity.

As of Thursday at 16.00 WIB, a total of 3,752 aftershocks had been recorded in the affected area. One of the aftershocks felt on Thursday occurred at 10.47 local time with a magnitude of 5.7.