Updated August 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Colombia time
The Colombian Bishops’ Conference and Pastoral Social–Caritas called a national day of prayer for Sunday, August 16. The mobilisation is part of the “Con Colombia, hasta el último rincón” campaign, while a preliminary inventory cited by Vatican News indicates that the number of affected churches could exceed 50.
Prayer, accompaniment and fundraising
Parishes and faith communities are asked to support affected families as well as rescue and health teams. The national fundraiser is intended to finance Caritas National Emergency Service actions according to needs identified in each area. Donation details remain available on the Bishops’ Conference’s official website.
Damage across several regions
In Manizales, the cathedral tower partly collapsed and remains tilted; the El Carmen neighbourhood church is reported destroyed. In Pereira, Nuestra Señora del Carmen–Iglesia San José has severe damage, while Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe collapsed in Dosquebradas and the tower of the La Virginia church was damaged.
In Buga, the dome of the Señor de los Milagros basilica has cracks and falling material. In Cartago, the roof over the central nave of the Nuestra Señora de la Pobreza basilica collapsed.
From Popayán to Quibdó
Vatican News also identifies several churches in Popayán, La Merced convent in Cali, and the bishop’s residence and churches in the Diocese of Quibdó. The examples show the geographic spread of reports but do not form an exhaustive inventory.
Assessments still under way
Church jurisdictions continue technical inspections. Communication difficulties are slowing consolidation in some communities, so the 50-church threshold remains a preliminary estimate rather than a final total.