Pope Leo XIV receives representatives of Italian municipalities hit by earthquake

Pope Leo XIV met with representatives from the Italian regions of Abruzzo, Marche, Lazio, and Umbria on Saturday to discuss the ongoing reconstruction following the 2016 earthquakes. During the meeting at the Apostolic Palace, the Pope called for urgent and tangible responses to assist communities that still face the consequences of the seismic activity.

He urged officials to ensure that material reconstruction is completed as quickly as possible, with a focus on safety and transparency. The Pope suggested a dual approach for the recovery process, combining a synodal method of building together with a prophetic vision that identifies the common good for the future.

The earthquake sequence began on August 24, 2016, with a 6.0 magnitude tremor that heavily damaged Amatrice, Accumoli, and Arquata del Tronto. The disaster resulted in 303 deaths and 388 injuries. The Pope noted that the destruction of historical and artistic heritage continues to cause deep pain in these communities ten years later.