Vatican City – In a display of solidarity and compassion, Pope Francis has sent thousands of medicines to Turkey to assist victims of the devastating earthquake that struck the country in February 2023.

The 6.7 magnitude earthquake, which hit the eastern province of Van, caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, leaving many people injured and homeless. The deadly earthquake also caused about 50,000 deaths in the region.  In response, Pope Francis reached out to the Turkish government and offered support through the Vatican’s charitable organization, Caritas. The medicines are to be delivered to the Turkish embassy to the Holy See.

Caritas has now dispatched several trucks loaded with essential medicines to the affected areas, where they will be distributed to those in need. The medicines include painkillers, antibiotics, and other essential drugs, which will provide much-needed relief to those suffering from injuries and illnesses caused by the earthquake.

Earthquake-affected Syria with over 15 million people in discomfort also got financial aid from the pope in the past. 

“We send the aid via Turkish airliners,” explains Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner. “We monitor the height of the pallets and their weight. This effort is possible thanks to the help of volunteers.”

The Previous Sunday, parishes in Italy gave offerings to contribute to the victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, following a project initiated by the Italian Episcopal Conference. The aim of the fund gathering is to create “a concrete sign of solidarity with participation of all believers in providing for the material and spiritual needs” of the earthquake victims. The campaign for the fund gathering is to continue till April 2023

The gesture of goodwill from Pope Francis has been praised by many, including the Turkish government, which has expressed its gratitude for the support.  

The earthquake in Turkey is just the latest in a series of natural disasters that have struck the world in recent years. With climate change causing more frequent and severe weather events, the need for international cooperation and support has never been more urgent. The Vatican’s response to the Turkish earthquake serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and solidarity in times of crisis.

Pope Francis in a post on social media seeks continual prayer and support for devastated people in various regions.

Let us continue to pray for the tormented Ukrainian people. And let us stay close also to the earthquake victims of Turkey and Syria. Let us also pray for the population of the state of Mississippi, struck by a devastating tornado. Let’s #PrayTogether

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) March 26, 2023