Natural disaster

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Pope Francis delivers the Angelus address on Feb. 12, 2023.

Pope Francis urges support for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria

Feb 12, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis prayed Sunday for the people of Turkey and Syria who are suffering after devastating earthquakes killed more than... Read more

A woman carrying a child walks along a street during a heavy rainfall in the flood-hit Dera Allah Yar town in Jaffarabad district, Balochistan province, Pakistan, on Aug. 30, 2022. Aid efforts ramped up across flooded Pakistan to help tens of millions of people affected by relentless monsoon rains that have submerged a third of the country and claimed more than 1,100 lives.

Pakistani Church leaders call for help for flood victims amid national emergency

Aug 30, 2022

By Aftab Alexander Mughal

More than 1,100 people have been killed, and more than 33 million people have been displaced or affected in some... Read more

Screenshot of video footage showing the destruction of Saint Pius X Church in La Palma in the Canary Islands on Sept. 26, 2021.

Video: Lava destroys church on La Palma in Canary Islands

Sep 27, 2021

By David Ramos

Lava from the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palma in the Canary Islands destroyed the church of... Read more

Pope Francis makes the Sign of the Cross April 18, 2018.

Pope Francis prays for victims of Hurricane Ida

Sep 5, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Hurricane Ida was one of the most powerful storms to ever make landfall on the U.S. mainland. Read more

The aftermath of Hurricane Iota in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. Nov. 17, 2020.

After another major hurricane, Central America needs 'a helping hand'

Nov 18, 2020

With Hurricane Iota becoming the second major hurricane to hit Central America this November, relief agencies have tried to prepare... Read more

Damage to a bridge in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala following Hurricane Eta.

Hurricane Eta pounds Central America, Catholic Relief Services responds

Nov 6, 2020

Catholic Relief Services is working to aid relief efforts for those impacted by Hurricane Eta, which tore through Central America... Read more

Hurricane Dorian in the Caribbean Sea in August 2019.

How Catholic charities are helping in the wake of Hurricane Dorian

Sep 5, 2019

With Hurricane Dorian leaving widespread destruction in the Bahamas earlier this week, and now moving up the eastern U.S. coast,... Read more

Indians wade along a flooded street carrying their belongings following heavy monsoon rains at Sitamarhi district in Bihar state, July 17, 2019.

South Asia floods: 'Everything is coming to a complete standstill'

Jul 19, 2019

Catholic Relief Services is working with local partners to provide aid amid severe flooding and landslides in parts of India,... Read more

St. Catherine of Alexandria church in Porac was damaged when an April 23 earthquake struck the Philippines.

Bishops pray for victims of earthquakes in Philippines

Apr 24, 2019

Catholic leaders have offered prayers for the Philippines after two earthquakes struck the region this week.  Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience in St. Peter's Square on March 14, 2018.

Pope Francis prays for Alabama tornado victims

Mar 6, 2019

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis sent his prayers and condolences to Alabama Wednesday after devastating tornadoes over the weekend killed 23 people and... Read more

Officials look through the wreckage of damaged buildings in Carita, Indonesia on December 23, 2018.

Pope Francis asks for prayers for Indonesia after deadly tsunami

Dec 23, 2018

By Courtney Mares

After a deadly tsunami struck Indonesia Saturday night, killing more than 200 people and injuring hundreds more, Pope Francis has... Read more

A child stands in front of debris after an Aug. 5 earthquake on Indonesia’s Lombok island.

As death toll climbs from Indonesia quake, Catholic agency takes action

Aug 10, 2018

With hundreds dead and thousands left homeless by a major earthquake in Indonesia last weekend, Catholic Relief Services is working... Read more

Pope Francis and a cross during the Stations of the Cross at the Coliseum in Rome, Italy on April 3, 2015.

Pope offers prayer, solidarity for victims of Guatemala eruption

Jun 5, 2018

By Elise Harris

With the death count of a massive volcanic eruption in Guatemala already at 65, Pope Francis has offered his prayers... Read more

Commentary: Redefining gender while California burns

Oct 20, 2017

By JD Flynn

California is still burning.  Read more

World Youth Day cross, icon of Mary in Oaxaca, Mexico.

World Youth Day cross, Marian icon console Mexican earthquake victims

Oct 4, 2017

A team of pilgrims representing World Youth Day 2019 offered a message of hope and consolation to Mexicans impacted by... Read more

Church collapses in Mexico quake during baptism, killing several

Sep 21, 2017

On Sept. 19, a family in Puebla, Mexico was attending the baptism of their daughter when a 7.1-magnitude earthquake shook... Read more

Mexican bishops join in prayer, grief after second deadly earthquake

Sep 20, 2017

Following Mexico’s second major earthquake in two weeks, bishops in the country called for prayers and solidarity, asking Our Lady... Read more

Hurricane Harvey, as seen from NOAA GOES satellite over Texas, 10 am, Aug 25, 2017.

Corpus Christi bishop: remember those who can't flee Hurricane Harvey

Aug 25, 2017

By Kevin J. Jones

As Hurricane Harvey approached, the Bishop of Corpus Christi was preparing to ride out the storm. He urged the country... Read more