More than 120 people are dead, nearly 200 injured, and 50,000 displaced following a 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Dingri County and the city of Shigatse in Tibet on Jan. 7.
Tens of thousands of homes have been destroyed or damaged, according to preliminary reports.
Chinese Catholic communities are playing a key role in providing relief to victims, joining nationwide efforts to assist those affected by the disaster.
This response, according to a report by the Vatican’s Fides News Agency, highlights the Church’s solidarity in times of crisis.
Pope Francis mentioned the earthquake during his address to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, expressing his condolences and calling for action to aid the victims.
The Diocese of Beijing issued an appeal urging Catholics to contribute generously during the Holy Year, citing the words of Jesus: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
“During the Christmas season and on the occasion of the Holy Year that has just begun, we can take the opportunity to remember the Lord’s teaching … and give generously so that people in the earthquake-affected areas can also experience the joy of the Christmas season and the warmth and strength of Christian hope in the Jubilee Year,” the appeal said.
Catholic parishes in Beijing have been asked to collect donations and submit them to a diocesan collection point by Jan. 15. The funds will be managed and distributed by the diocese’s Divine Mercy charity.
The Diocese of Shanthou also urged its Catholic communities to take action, framing the Holy Year of Hope as a chance to perform works of mercy for those in need.
Meanwhile, the Diocese of Shanghai was among the first to respond, contributing 500,000 yuan to relief efforts. Local authorities coordinating aid in the city confirmed that the donation was among the initial funds received to support the recovery operations.
Chinese Catholic dioceses are responding to the earthquake with initiatives aimed at providing both material aid and spiritual support. Their actions highlight the contributions of faith-based communities to disaster relief efforts.
