Pope Prays for Victims of Typhoon in Asia, Announces Newman as Doctor of the Church

Vatican City, September 28, 2025 – Pope Leo XIV has expressed his prayers for those affected by a powerful typhoon that has struck parts of Asia, while also announcing the upcoming declaration of St. John Henry Newman as a Doctor of the Church.

Speaking towards the end of Mass for the Jubilee of Catechists, before reciting the Angelus, the Pope turned his thoughts to Asia, where “a very powerful typhoon” has hit several regions, including the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Guangdong province, and Vietnam.

“I assure the affected populations, especially the poorest, of my closeness and my prayers for the victims, the missing, the many displaced families, the countless people who have suffered hardship, as well as the rescue workers and civil authorities,” he said. “I invite everyone to put their trust in God and to show solidarity with others. May the Lord give strength and courage to overcome every adversity.”

Typhoon Ragasa, reported to be the strongest this year, has forced the evacuation of over two million people in Guangdong alone. The storm has caused extensive damage, flooding, power outages, and landslides, claiming at least 25 lives in the Philippines and 14 in Taiwan.

In addition to his prayers for typhoon victims, Pope Leo confirmed that John Henry Newman will be declared a Doctor of the Church on 1 November, following the initial announcement on 31 July. Newman, the English theologian and philosopher, was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010 and canonised by Pope Francis in 2019.

The Pope highlighted Newman’s contribution to theology and the development of Christian doctrine, noting his journey from Anglican priest to Catholic cardinal. Born in London on 21 February 1801, Newman became an Anglican priest at 24 and entered the Catholic Church in 1845, two years before his ordination as a Catholic priest. He later adopted the motto Cor ad cor loquitur – “Heart speaks to heart” – a phrase attributed to St. Francis de Sales and referenced by Pope Francis in his encyclical Dilexit Nos.

Pope Leo also expressed gratitude to the catechists who received the ministry during the Jubilee Mass and to those serving worldwide. “I extend my good wishes for a fruitful service to all catechists in the Church throughout the world! Thank you for your service to the Church. Let us pray for them, especially for those who work in difficult conditions,” he said.

Courtesy: Vatican News

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