Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Aug 14, 2021 / 15:00 pm
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed their sorrow at the news of a massive earthquake once again striking Haiti, as the United States announced a new relief effort to assist the country.
“On behalf of the bishops of the United States, I wish to express my heartfelt prayers for the people of Haiti who are mourning the loss of loved ones and are suffering from the destruction caused by the earthquake that took place this morning,” said a statement released Saturday, August 14, from Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the USCCB.
Earlier in the day, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake was reported in Haiti. At least 227 people have been reported to have died, with hundreds of others either injured or missing. The reported death toll has been steadily rising as the day continued.
Gomez added that the bishops are offering prayers to Archbishop Launay Saturné, the president of the bishops’ conference in Haiti, as well as “to all those who tirelessly serve the faith communities in Haiti.”