By Matters India Reporter
NEW DELHI, August 29, 2026: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the people of Nepal following a devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood that caused deaths, injuries, displacement and widespread destruction of homes, livelihoods and infrastructure.
CBCI President Cardinal Poola Anthony of Hyderabad extended condolences to families who lost loved ones and assured the people of Nepal of the prayers and support of the Catholic Church in India.
“We share in your grief and entrust the departed souls to the mercy of God,” Anthony said. He also prayed for those reported missing, the recovery of the injured and the success of ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
The CBCI called on parishes, religious communities and Catholic institutions across India to remember the victims during Sunday Mass on August 30.
The conference also thanked rescue workers and volunteers, praying for their safety and perseverance. It said the Church remains united with Nepal, seeking comfort, healing and hope for all affected by the disaster.
Nepal tragedy is indeed very unfortunate and no words are adequate enough to compensate the irreparable loss. However, Nepal knows it lives in an ecolological zone which is very delicate/sensitive. It should gear its development and construction industries in keeping with the ecological sensitivities. The Catholic Church may guide Nepal and in fact the faithful in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Sikkim, to avoid heavy concrete structures as far as possible. The earlier light weight indigenous house building methods were much better.