Cebu: Pope Leo XIV has expressed sympathies to the victims of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit northern Cebu on Tuesday. Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy said the pontiff also offered his prayers to all those who continue to face the hardships caused by the calamity.

According to Philippines News Agency, "The Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, called me to convey the Holy Father's heartfelt sympathies for all the survivors of the earthquake, and his prayers for the eternal repose of the victims," the archbishop added in a radio interview on Thursday.

The Philippines, especially Cebu, is close to the heart of Pope Leo XIV, who visited the province in 2004 and 2010, then as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine.

Meanwhile, the entire province of Cebu has been placed under a state of calamity due to the continuing increase in the number of fatalities, widespread damage to infrastructure, and disruption of basic services as a result of the strong tremor.

The church and government, according to Uy, continue to work together to ensure rapid response and support for victims, especially in Bogo City, the epicenter of the earthquake. At least 60 people have died due to the powerful quake.