Pope prays for Cebu quake victims

MANILA, Philippines — Pope Leo XIV has offered prayers and condoled with victims of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu on Tuesday night.

Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy yesterday said he received a message from Papal Nuncio Charles John Brown that the pope has expressed sympathy and is praying for the quake victims.

“The Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, called me to convey the Holy Father’s heartfelt sympathies for all  the  survivors of the earthquake, and his prayers for the eternal repose of the victims,” Uy said.

He said the pope assured the faithful of his spiritual closeness as communities grieve and begin recovery efforts.

In his homily for the Feast of the Guardian Angels, Uy urged the faithful to embody the mission of angels by helping people in need.

“In these difficult days, we are invited to show the spirit of angels by sharing whatever we can: food, clothing, shelter, prayers and even our time. Every act of generosity becomes a way of guarding, guiding and comforting others,” Uy said.

He said to be an angel for someone is protecting the weak, comforting the lonely and giving hope to those who have lost much.

“This is the best way to honor our guardian angels, by imitating their missions of love,” he said.

On Wednesday, Uy visited parishes severely affected by the earthquake.

He offered prayers at the Daanbantayan District Hospital where several quake victims are being treated for injuries.