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?
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Pope Leo Calls on Europe to Do More for Migrants
47 hari lalu
The pontiff's trip to the migration frontline of Lampedusa underscored a message for Europe and United States as intolerance and indifference rise.
Pope Leo Defends US Immigrant History at 250th Anniversary
47 hari lalu
The first U.S. pope said immigrants shaped America at its 250th anniversary, drawing criticism from President Donald Trump.
Pope Leo Pleads with Breakaway Catholics Before Possible Schism
51 hari lalu
Pope Leo XIV has called on a rebel Catholic group to call off a planned consecration of bishops.
Pope Leo Bows to Migrants' 'Dignity' in Gran Canaria
12 Juni 2026
The Pope visited Arguinegun, a Canary Islands migration hotspot, saying Europe can't uphold dignity while the Mediterranean is an "unmarked grave."
Spain Sees Tourism Windfall From Pope Leo's Papal Visit
11 Juni 2026
Pope Leo arrived in Spain on June 6, marking the first papal visit to the country in 15 years.
Pope Leo in Spain: More Than a Million Line Madrid Streets
7 Juni 2026
Huge crowds welcomed Pope Leo XIV in Madrid on Sunday as he began a five-day Spain visit meeting migrants and the homeless, promoting "human values."
Pope Leo to Focus on Immigration, Social Justice in Spain
6 Juni 2026
Pope Leo XIV begins a weeklong visit to Spain, focusing on Europe's Christian heritage and meeting clergy abuse survivors.
What Kind of New Presidential Car Did Prabowo Request?
18 Mei 2026
President Prabowo has requested a custom-built presidential car from state-owned arms manufacturer PT Pindad.
War and Peace: Key Themes of Pope Leo's First Year in Office
8 Mei 2026
One year after his election, Pope Leo XIV is regarded as an important counterweight to US President Trump.
US Secretary Marco Rubio to Meet Pope Leo at the Vatican
7 Mei 2026
The visit by the US Secretary of State to the Vatican comes as President Trump continues to disparage Pope Leo over criticism of the Iran war.
