Pope Leo XIV expresses solidarity with Filipinos affected by 6.9-magnitude quake
Pope Leo XIV delivers his Angelus address at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (CBCP/Vatican Media)
Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for the victims and communities devastated by the powerful earthquake that struck Cebu and nearby provinces on Sept. 30.
Speaking in Italian during his Sunday Angelus in St. Peter’s Square on Oct. 5, the Pope said he is united in prayer with those most affected 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,” he said.
“Let us remain united and in solidarity in our trust in God and in the intercession of our Blessed Mother in all danger,” he added.
As of Monday, official government data showed that the death toll from the 6.9-magnitude earthquake has reached 72.
A total of 129,974 families or 455,894 individuals have been affected by the tremor, while 405 families or 1,251 persons remain in evacuation centers.
Authorities said 7,942 families or 25,291 individuals are currently staying with relatives or friends.
The quake also left 3,507 houses totally damaged and 14,641 partially damaged across affected areas.