August 21, 2026 | 07:29 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pope Leo XIV expressed his condolences and deep concern over the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday, August 15.
The condolences were posted on the social media pages of the Indonesian Embassy in the Vatican on Thursday, August 20.
In a telegram addressed to Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD, and signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Leo XIV expressed that he's "deeply saddened" by the devastation and suffering caused by the disaster.
"The Pope offers the assurance of his spiritual solidarity and closeness to those suffering the continuing effects of this disaster," the Indonesian Embassy in the Vatican stated, citing the telegram from the world's highest Catholic leader.
Pope Leo XIV also encouraged Church leaders and civil authorities to continue providing humanitarian assistance and offered prayers, asking for "divine blessings of consolation and strength" for all affected families and communities.
The earthquake resulted in at least 75 deaths and 907 injuries, according to data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
The BNPB urged residents of NTT to remain vigilant and alert due to the continued high level of aftershock activity.
As of 4:00 p.m. Jakarta time on Thursday, 3,752 aftershocks had been recorded in the affected areas, with one felt at magnitude 5.7 in the morning.
Read: NTT Earthquake: Why Does Indonesia Refuse Foreign Aid Offers?
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