Pope Leo XIV has extended his prayers and condolences to the victims of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu on Tuesday night, said Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy on Thursday, Oct. 2.
Uy received the message through the apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Charles John Brown, who expressed Pope Leo’s “heartfelt sympathies for all the survivors of the earthquake, and his prayers for the eternal repose of the victims,” according to CBCP News, the news service of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
The pope also wanted to assure the faithful of his spiritual closeness, Brown said.
In his homily for the Feast of the Guardian Angels on Thursday, the newly installed archbishop of Cebu urged Cebuano Catholics to help those in need, embodying the mission of the angels.
“Every act of generosity becomes a way of guarding, guiding and comforting others,” Uy said.
He emphasized the value of sharing food, clothing, shelter, prayers, and time, especially in difficult times, to support one another.
“This is the best way to honor our guardian angels: by imitating their mission of love,” Uy said.
The death toll from the quake rose to 72, while 294 were injured, according to the report released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Oct. 2.
Relief efforts continue as diocesan and government agencies work together to support over 20,000 displaced residents.
