Vatican city: Pope Leo XIV on Sunday extended prayers for the victims of Typhoon Ragasa, which recently wreaked havoc in Taiwan and other parts of Asia, leading to significant casualties.
According to Focus Taiwan, the Pope’s prayers were offered during the Mass for the Jubilee of Catechists, held in St Peter’s Square.
The Pope highlighted the severe impact of the typhoon on various regions, including the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Guangdong region, and Vietnam. He assured the affected populations, particularly the poorest, of his support and prayers for the victims, the missing, the displaced families, and the rescue workers and civil authorities.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expressed gratitude on behalf of President Lai Ching-te for the Pope’s gesture. Typhoon Ragasa struck Taiwan last week, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that resulted in 17 fatalities and seven missing persons. Guangfu Township in Hualien County was particularly affected after floodwaters surged into the area.
In response to the disaster, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) committed to collaborating with Pope Leo XIV to promote humanitarian assistance. The Pope had previously extended prayers and aid to Taiwan after Typhoon Danas in July.
Typhoon Ragasa is recognized as the world’s most powerful tropical cyclone this year, impacting northern Luzon in the Philippines and reaching Hong Kong, Macau, South China, and Vietnam. The Holy See remains Taiwan’s sole diplomatic ally in Europe, maintaining formal ties since 1942.
