The Philippine Catholic Church’s social action and humanitarian arm is helping raise aid for victims of the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria.

The Caritas Philippines asked the dioceses across the country to have a second collection during Sunday Masses to help relief efforts in the affected countries.

“We would like to prompt and inspire generosity from you to support our Alay Kapwa Solidarity Appeal for Caritas Turkey and Caritas Syria,” said its president Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo.

“We intend to send our solidarity assistance for Turkey and Syria by the end of the month,” he said.

The death toll has passed 34,000, but victims are still being pulled from the rubble after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck southern Turkey and western Syria.

Speaking during the Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, Pope Francis renewed his appeal for prayers and concrete help for the quake victims.

“Let us not forget, let us pray and think what we can do for them,” he said.

Donations to “Akay Kapwa Solidarity Appeal for Caritas Turkey and Caritas Syria” may be deposited to the CBCP Caritas Philippines Foundation, Inc., BPI account number 4951-0071-08.