by Tablet Staff 

Pope Leo XIV spoke by telephone with Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella on Sept. 2, assuring his prayers and solidarity with those affected by the earthquake that struck the country earlier this month. 

According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope expressed his closeness to those suffering in the aftermath of the Aug. 10 earthquake, offering particular prayers and support to families who lost loved ones, those who were injured, and the rescuers and humanitarian workers responding to the disaster. 

Pope Leo and the Colombian president also discussed the situation in Colombia, including conditions in the regions hardest hit by the earthquake. 

VIDEO: Faith and Flags Fill Queens Church in Solidarity for Colombia Quake Victims

The 7.4-magnitude earthquake was centered near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó, in western Colombia. The powerful tremor was felt across much of the country and caused widespread damage, particularly in Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas and Quindío. The cities of Cali and Pereira were significantly affected. 

An assessment released Aug. 28 by the United Nations Development Programme reported said there were 331 deaths, 4,449 injuries and 143 people missing. More than 406,000 people were affected, while more than 225,000 structures sustained damage, according to the assessment.  

The disaster has led to a large-scale rescue and humanitarian response, with Colombian authorities and humanitarian organizations, including the Caritas network, continuing to provide assistance to affected communities. 

Rescue teams and aid workers are also assessing damage to homes and public infrastructure as communities begin the long process of recovery.