Earthquake Aid for Turkey and Syria Fund

At least 47,000 people have died, and millions have been left without a home and a livelihood following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria on early February 6.

They need your help more than ever.

“Let us continue to stay close, with prayer and concrete support, to the earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey,” Pope Francis said on Sunday, at the end of his weekly Angelus prayer.

By now, we have all seen the images showing the devastating impact of those two minutes during which nothing stood still. Seeing the widespread destruction and the faces of so many children whose lives will forever be changed by this tragedy cannot leave us unmoved.

“Let us pray for them, let us not forget them, let us pray and think about what we can do for them,” Pope Francis said.

Father Jacques Mourad, a Syrian monk from the Deir Mar Musa monastery, who is set to be ordained as the Archbishop of Homs of the Syrian Catholics in early March, said that in a region that has long been devastated by violence and war, "the only thing missing was this earthquake to fill to the brim the cup of suffering."

Yet, as he noted, the mystery of faith prevails among the ruins: "hope, charity, and faith are still alive, thanks be to God.”

To provide immediate relief, The Pontifical Mission Societies have mobilized its network of missionary priests, religious sisters, laymen and women to aid survivors. There will be a growing and urgent need in the coming days for shelter, food, and other basic services.

"My message is an invitation to prayer and generosity not only now but also afterwards," said Father Adrian E. Loza, OFM, director of The Pontifical Mission Societies Turkey.

The road ahead for the people in Turkey and Syria, as well as for the missionaries on the ground, is long: “From mourning to rebuilding. We will have to rebuild and repair many buildings and churches to serve the people, as well as help people move on," said Father Loza.

As you think about what you can do for the millions who have lost it all in Turkey and Syria, think about this: In less than two minutes, some were left with nothing. In less than two minutes, you can restore their hope.