Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has sent emergency assistance to several South and Southeast Asian countries that are struggling after cyclones and intense monsoon rains caused deadly floods and landslides.
Through the Office of Papal Charities, the Pope directed aid to Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, which are among the hardest hit. Heavy rains in late November, made worse by a series of tropical cyclones, have caused widespread destruction. Officials in the region report that nearly 1800 people have died and more than a thousand are still missing. Many areas remain cut off after roads and bridges were washed away, making rescue operations extremely difficult.
Entire villages have been left isolated as flooding and debris continue to block access. Local authorities and aid workers are struggling to reach survivors, and thousands of families have lost their homes.
Pope Leo XIV had already spoken about the tragedy during the Angelus on Sunday, 7 December. He expressed his closeness to the suffering communities and called on the international community to act with generosity. He assured his prayers for all those affected and urged global solidarity to help people facing such serious hardship.
The Vatican said the aid is meant to offer concrete support and comfort to those who are enduring great loss in the aftermath of the disaster.