Vatican City: During the Mass for the Jubilee of Catechists, Pope Leo XIV turned his thoughts towards Asia, offering prayers and solidarity for communities devastated by a powerful typhoon sweeping across the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and parts of southern China. Speaking before the noonday Angelus at St. Peter’s Square, the Pope expressed profound concern for those affected, while also making a significant announcement regarding the English cardinal and theologian, St. John Henry Newman.
“I assure the affected populations, especially the poorest, of my closeness and my prayers for the victims, the missing, the many displaced families, the countless people who have suffered hardship, as well as the rescue workers and civil authorities,” Pope Leo said. He urged all faithful to put their trust in God and to act with compassion and solidarity, invoking strength and courage for those facing the aftermath of the natural disaster.
The typhoon, identified as Typhoon Ragasa, is reported to be the strongest so far this year. In Guangdong alone, over two million people were evacuated as authorities responded to extensive flooding, landslides, and power outages. The storm has caused significant human and material loss, claiming at least 25 lives in the Philippines and 14 in Taiwan, while leaving thousands displaced and infrastructure damaged across affected regions.
In a landmark announcement, Pope Leo confirmed that Cardinal John Henry Newman will be formally declared a Doctor of the Church on November 1, 2025, following the earlier declaration on July 31. Newman, a pivotal figure in modern theology and philosophy, was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010 and canonized by Pope Francis in 2019.
Born on February 21, 1801, in London, Newman was ordained an Anglican priest at 24. He later converted to Catholicism in 1845 and was ordained a Catholic priest two years later. A cardinal and influential theologian, Newman is remembered for his contributions to the renewal of theology and the understanding of the development of Christian doctrine. His personal motto, “Cor ad cor loquitur” (“Heart speaks to heart”), attributed to St. Francis de Sales, emphasizes the relational and compassionate approach to faith, which Pope Leo highlighted in his address.
Concluding his remarks, Pope Leo extended warm greetings and appreciation to catechists, the faithful who dedicate themselves to teaching and guiding others in the faith. “I extend my good wishes for a fruitful service to all catechists in the Church throughout the world! Thank you for your service to the Church. Let us pray for them, especially for those who work in difficult conditions,” he said.
The Pope’s message combined pastoral concern for disaster-affected populations with recognition of spiritual leaders and educators, reflecting the Church’s dual commitment to compassion and the deepening of faith. His prayers for those impacted by Typhoon Ragasa serve as a reminder of the Church’s call to solidarity and support in times of natural and humanitarian crises.