As torrential monsoon rains continue to batter Pakistan, claiming over 650 lives since early July, the Catholic community in the country stands as a beacon of hope and charity amidst widespread devastation.
Newsroom (22/08/2025, Gaudium Press )The floods and landslides, In Pakistan which have injured more than 1,000 people and destroyed or damaged over 2,400 homes, have left the nation reeling, with forecasts predicting another week of relentless downpours.
In the Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Fr. Asif John Khokhar, Vicar General and National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Pakistan, described a dire situation to Fides, the Vatican’s news agency. “The nation is on its knees,” he said, highlighting the catastrophic impact in Rawalpindi and the northwest province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where landslides have buried entire villages. “Our priests in the north are alive, but many in surrounding communities face grave danger,” he added, noting that severed telephone and electricity lines have made communication and aid delivery nearly impossible.
Despite these challenges, the Catholic Church in Pakistan is responding with unwavering compassion. “We are trying to organize aid,” Fr. Khokhar said, acknowledging the immense difficulties faced by both the Church and the provincial government. Through Caritas Pakistan and individual parishes, Christian communities have launched relief efforts, providing food, shelter, and support to those in need. In the Archdiocese of Lahore, Fr. Francis Gulzar, parish priest of St. Joseph’s in Gujranwala, reported that overflowing rivers have destroyed homes and crops. Yet, the Church’s response transcends religious boundaries. “Our churches, schools, and parishes have opened their doors to all—Muslims and Christians alike—offering refuge to the poor, needy, and desperate,” he said, embodying the Gospel call to love one’s neighbor.
The United Nations reports that between August 15 and 19, nearly 1,000 people were injured, and over 2,400 homes were damaged or destroyed. Children, displaced and without access to schooling or clean water, are among the most vulnerable. In the Nuner region, more than ten villages have been obliterated, and rescue teams have evacuated over 3,500 stranded tourists. Local authorities have declared a state of emergency in nine districts, underscoring the scale of the crisis.
The floods have also struck India-administered Kashmir and Nepal, claiming over 300 lives in recent days. In a heartfelt address following the Angelus prayer in Castel Gandolfo’s Freedom Square, Pope Leo XIV expressed profound solidarity with the affected regions. “I offer my prayers for the victims, their families, and all those suffering from this calamity,” he said, calling on the faithful to unite in prayer and action to support those in need.
In this time of trial, Pakistan’s Catholic community draws strength from faith, offering a powerful witness to Christ’s love through acts of charity and solidarity. As the rains persist and the road to recovery looms long, the Church remains steadfast, trusting in God’s providence and the generosity of the global Catholic family to bring healing to a devastated nation.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News and Agenzia Fides
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