During their ad limina visit to the Vatican on October 24, Pope Francis met with Panamanian bishops to emphasize solidarity with vulnerable populations. The Pontiff expressed support for communities affected by the October 9 earthquake and praised Caritas for its relief efforts. Bishop José Domingo Ulloa, head of the Panamanian Episcopal Conference, described the meeting as a positive experience. The Pope also highlighted the need for dialogue and care for migrants from Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. The bishops reaffirmed their commitment to creation protection and pastoral care for those in need.
Human Rights Without Frontiers reported that Iran intensified persecution of religious minorities. The government seized a historic church in the capital, posting guards to block access. Meanwhile, Baha’i citizens faced severe legal actions, including the expulsion of a student and heavy prison sentences for twelve individuals in a northern city. Authorities arrested several Baha’is in multiple locations, confiscating property without warrants. In a separate incident, a foreign couple sponsored the resettlement of an Iranian Christian deported from the US, highlighting ongoing efforts to aid refugees fleeing state-sponsored religious oppression.
A family from Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, is raising funds to support victims of a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Panama’s Herrera Province. Katie Sanchez, her parents Bonita and Gino, and Gino’s sister Lelis Herrera are coordinating relief efforts. They are purchasing supplies such as food, water, and tarps to distribute to approximately 20,000 affected residents. The team aims to raise $15,000 to help those who lost homes in the Oct. 9 disaster. According to emergency officials, hundreds of schools and health centers were damaged, and thousands remain in shelters. The family reports that donations are being used directly for supplies and delivery costs.
A religious leader in Panama has called for continued solidarity with families affected by the October 9 earthquake. According to the National Civil Protection System, the magnitude 7.5 tremor impacted over 55,000 people, primarily in the Azuero region. The prelate emphasized that emotional support is crucial for children and adults as communities recover from destroyed homes and damaged temples. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health delivered cremated remains to families in Veraguas province, and the Ministry of Culture is coordinating with the Church to restore religious sites. The disaster continues to strain infrastructure and require long-term assistance.
Three weeks after the October 9 earthquake in Panama's Azuero peninsula, Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa warned that the emergency persists for many families. According to the National Civil Protection System, over 55,000 people were affected and more than 17,000 homes evaluated. Ulloa emphasized that the Church will not forget those suffering, urging continued solidarity as reconstruction takes time. Meanwhile, Culture Minister María Eugenia Herrera announced plans to coordinate with the banking sector and government bodies to restore damaged religious heritage. Additionally, authorities delivered cremated remains to families in Soná after cemetery damage in Veraguas.
On November 1, 2026, Panama Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa addressed the needs of children impacted by a recent earthquake during his homily. He emphasized that the response must go beyond rebuilding infrastructure to include psychological care for youth suffering from fear and trauma. The archbishop noted that disasters cause physical injuries, anxiety, and disrupted education. According to the report, children face heightened risks due to physiological factors and separation from caregivers. The statement highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support to help young victims recover from the emergency's emotional aftereffects.
Thousands of attendees gathered in Paju, South Korea, for the 50th anniversary of the International Church Growth Institute. Speakers from Indonesia, Panama, and the Philippines stressed that church growth relies on prayer and obedience rather than marketing strategies. Indonesian pastor Timothy Arifin Tedjasukmana shared how he established 470 churches through spiritual dedication. Panamanian minister Edwin Alvarez credited prayer for his ministry expansion into Italy. Filipino pastor David Samsul warned against relying on techniques, urging leaders to focus on their relationship with God. Participants from various nations expressed deep appreciation for the local prayer culture and its potential for global revival.
Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs joined a multisectoral alliance to restore religious and historical sites damaged by a recent earthquake. The initiative was convened by Culture Minister María Eugenia Herrera and included Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa, banking leaders Ernesto Boyd and Carlos Berguido, and Vice Minister Carlos Guevara Mann. The group aims to secure urgent structural support and artistic restoration through state funds, a specialized trust, and private sector contributions. Participants agreed to establish a committee and a streamlined legal framework, leveraging international technical cooperation and banking mechanisms to manage donations and preserve the nation's cultural identity. (Source: mire.gob.pa)
An earthquake on October 9, 2026, caused significant structural damage to the Atalaya church in Panama's Veraguas province. The temple suffered wall cracks and collapse of the tower's upper section. Father Marcelino González stated that authorities are coordinating demolition and potential reconstruction, which may take about a year. Three people inside escaped unharmed, though a child was frightened. Religious images, including Jesus Nazareno, were safely moved by the National Civil Protection System. The priest emphasized maintaining faith despite the vulnerability revealed by the natural disaster.
A Go Experience team from Tennessee is scheduled to visit Panama Oeste from August 15 to 22. According to the Panama Mobilization Team, the group will partner with Pastor Aaron, who serves as the president of the Panama Oeste Baptist Association. The mission involves serving the local community through visits to schools and hospitals, youth ministry activities, and sharing the gospel. The team plans to pray for community members and share their faith. The organizers are asking for support and prayers for courage and open hearts among those they encounter during this outreach effort.
The Panama Mobilization Team announced that a group from churches in Georgia, Virginia, and Maryland will serve in Panama from August 7 to 14. The team aims to connect with indigenous and local Panamanian communities using their diverse skills. According to the announcement, the group seeks to create opportunities to share the gospel in meaningful ways. The organizers are asking for prayers for the success of this initiative, which is scheduled to take place next month.
The Panama Mobilization Team reports on its recent summer activities in Panama. The group asks for support to ensure partner churches continue serving their communities after volunteers depart. Specifically, the team highlights the use of trauma-healing resources to help churches build relationships and minister to women. The outlet states that these efforts aim to create ongoing opportunities to share the gospel. The initiative focuses on sustaining long-term community engagement and spiritual support in the region following the conclusion of the volunteer missions. (Source: IMB)
Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.7 and 6.6 in magnitude, struck rural Panama on Friday morning. The tremors triggered more than 45 aftershocks and caused significant damage, including the collapse of buildings. A major water purification plant supplying Panama City was affected. Tsunami warnings were issued for the region, and Panama City’s main airport temporarily suspended flights. According to the IMB, Send Relief is prepared to assess the damage and provide assistance where needed. The quakes were felt in multiple surrounding counties.
The Panama Mobilization Team announced that a youth group from a church in Indiana will serve in Panama from October 10 to 17. The team seeks prayers for the participants to deepen their spiritual relationship and gain a better understanding of global missions. According to the announcement, the group aims to serve with humility, support local church partners, and return with a renewed commitment to discipleship. This initiative highlights ongoing cross-cultural ministry efforts between the United States and Panama.
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