Arcbishop José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta expresses solidarity with Panama after earthquake

Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta expressed solidarity with the people of Panama following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake. Writing from Rome, the Archbishop of Panama and president of the Episcopal Conference offered support to families facing fear and uncertainty. He asked the Church to pray for the protection and serenity of the Panamanian people and urged citizens to remain calm and follow instructions from local authorities.

The earthquake's epicenter was located approximately 10 kilometers west of Pitaloza Arriba in southern Panama. The tremors caused injuries in the capital and nearby areas, along with damage to numerous buildings. In the central province of Coclé, the bell tower of the cathedral of San Giovanni Battista in Penonomé collapsed. While a tsunami alert was issued, the risk of a tsunami was ultimately avoided.

Archbishop Ulloa issued his message while participating in a meeting organized by Pope Leo XIV to mark ten years of Amoris Laetitia. The gathering includes leaders from episcopal conferences and academics.