S. Korea's top Catholic leader offers condolences to Colombia quake victims

SEOUL, Aug. 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's highest-ranking Catholic cleric, Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul, conveyed his deepest sympathies to those affected by the devastating earthquake in Colombia and pledged to pray with the Korean church community for all those impacted by the disaster. In a statement, Archbishop Chung extended heartfelt condolences to Colombians who have lost loved ones and face threats to their homes and livelihoods.

He vowed to join in prayer alongside all members of the Seoul Archdiocese for the deceased and their bereaved families, the injured, and all others affected by the calamity in Colombia.

Following the quake, the archdiocese announced that two of its charitable organizations would contribute a combined US$100,000 in emergency relief funds through Caritas Internationalis. The funds are earmarked for immediate assistance, and the archdiocese intends to continue fundraising efforts until mid-September to support those in need. The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the western region of Colombia earlier in the week, resulting in over 200 fatalities.