The 7.7 magnitude earthquake devastated Myanmar and Thailand, and fires raging in eastern South Korea are the worst the country has ever faced.
Lenten Campaign 2025
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Pope Francis expressed his support for the victims of the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand in a telegram sent on March 28, 2025. In a second telegram, the Pontiff expressed his concern about the violent fires currently ravaging eastern South Korea.
In a telegram signed by the Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, as is the custom, Pope Francis said he was “deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread devastation caused by the earthquake” in Myanmar. On March 28, at 12:50 local time, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the center of the country, affecting in particular the city of Mandalay (population 950,000).
Peter Hermes Furian | Shutterstock
Numerous buildings collapsed throughout the country, as well as in neighboring Thailand. Initial reports from the authorities in Myanmar and Thailand speak of around a hundred deaths, even though the rescue teams have barely begun their search. The human toll is therefore expected to rise sharply in the coming hours.
The Pontiff assures those affected of his “spiritual closeness” and offers his prayers for the victims of the tragedy. He also implores God's spiritual support for all those involved in the rescue operations.
Support for Koreans
In his second telegram, also signed by the Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pontiff assured his support for the victims of the forest fires currently affecting eastern South Korea. The authorities currently count 28 victims.
This Friday, they announced that, in addition, more than 48,000 hectares have been burned by the flames and that 38,000 people have had to be displaced since March 21.
The pontiff offered his condolences to the victims' loved ones and entrusted their souls “to the loving mercy of Almighty God.” He promised his prayers for the injured and for the fire and rescue teams mobilized to deal with this tragedy.
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