Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram of condolences, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, to H.E. Archbishop Francisco Javier Múnera Correa of Cartagena, president of the Colombian Episcopal Conference, for the victims of the powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the Chocó department of Colombia on August 10, killing more than 130 people and injuring hundreds. The Pontiff assured prayers for the dead, spiritual closeness to the injured and to the families of the deceased, and gratitude to those engaged in rescue efforts, invoking upon all of Colombia the gifts of spiritual strength and Christian hope through the intercession of the Virgin Mary.