Pope Leo XIV sends a condolence telegram, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, to Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden, S.V.D., Metropolitan Archbishop of Ende, for the victims of the violent magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck off the island of Flores, in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province, on August 15, causing more than 50 deaths, hundreds injured and thousands displaced, along with a small tsunami. The Holy Father declares himself "deeply saddened" by the devastation and assures his spiritual solidarity and closeness to those suffering the persistent consequences of the disaster, particularly the displaced and injured; he encourages ecclesial and civil authorities in their humanitarian assistance, prays for personnel engaged in relief efforts, and commends the deceased to God's mercy, invoking blessings of consolation and strength.

At the close of the celebrations for the ninth centenary of the return to Catania of the relics of Saint Agatha, Pope Leo XIV, who appointed Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin as his Papal Legate, sent a message offering a theological reading of the martyrdom of the city's patron saint: "In the martyrdom of Saint Agatha, an illustrious example of fidelity to Christ and of love unto the full gift of self, the ecclesial community contemplates the victory of grace over violence, of faith over fear, and of charity over death." On Monday, August 17, after the dawn pilgrimage from Piazza del Rotolo to Piazza Duomo, Cardinal Parolin presided over the solemn coronation of Saint Agatha, following the relocation of the Holy Skull in the restored reliquary bust, and the Te Deum on the cathedral steps; at 8:00 pm he celebrated the solemn Pontifical Mass of the Ninth Centenary in Piazza Duomo, closing three days of faith, prayer and popular participation.