Through the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, Pope Francis donated $50,000 to victims of the earthquake in Tainan, Taiwan.
A total of 117 people died in the magnitude 6.4 earthquake, including 115 victims in an apartment complex located in the city’s Yongkang District.
On Feb. 7, the Pope’s secretary of state sent condolences on his behalf:
The Holy Father was saddened to learn of the suffering caused by the deadly earthquake which struck in Tainan, leaving many people dead or seriously injured. He sends prayerful condolences to the families of the deceased and injured, as well as to rescue personnel and the civil authorities. His Holiness, commending the souls of the departed to the tender mercy of God, invokes abundant divine blessings of consolation and strength upon those who mourn and upon all who have been affected by this tragedy.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
