After historic devastation and loss of life brought on by Cyclone Idai to Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Subcommittee on the Church in Africa, and Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, wrote to the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe to express sorrow and solidarity over the lives lost by the cyclone and offered prayers for recovery.

The full statement follows:

“It is with profound shock, horror, and sadness that we learn about the devastation and massive loss of life that has occurred in your country due to Cyclone Idai.  The magnitude of the cycloneand the scope of its damages are almost beyond belief.

We pray for the hundreds of people who lost their lives in the storm.  May they rest in peace and bask in the eternal embrace of our heavenly Father.  We also pray for the family members who survived the devastation and now mourn the loss of their loved ones, and struggle to rebuild their homes and livelihoods.  They face a long road to recovery.  We join them in their mourning.  May they find comfort and solace.  We offer them our prayers and support.

As a concrete manifestation of that support, we are pleased to inform you that Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops overseas relief and development agency, immediately set up an emergency relief initiative to collect resources to provide humanitarian aid and begin the longer-term recovery efforts in Mozambique/Malawi/Zimbabwe. We have full confidence that you will soon see the results of these efforts.

CRS and the USCCB remain committed to stand with the Church and the people of Mozambique/Malawi/Zimbabwe in your long road to recovery and increased prosperity.”

Donate to CRS’ relief efforts here.