The Daily Journal. — At the conclusion of the Angelus prayer on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed his spiritual closeness to Venezuela following the violent twin earthquakes that struck on June 24, a natural disaster that has officially claimed more than 1,400 lives.
The Holy Father delivered a message of solidarity to those affected by the disaster and expressed his appreciation for the rescue teams carrying out search-and-recovery operations in the hardest-hit areas, particularly along the country’s central coast and in the capital.
Speaking in Spanish, the Bishop of Rome shared a liturgical message of support for the South American nation after the catastrophe.
“I wish to express my closeness to our Venezuelan brothers and sisters affected by the recent earthquakes, which caused numerous deaths and injuries, as well as immense material damage. As I pray to the Lord for the eternal rest of those who lost their lives, I renew my spiritual closeness to their families, to those who were injured, and to everyone suffering because of this tragedy.”
Leo XIV also expressed his “gratitude and encouragement to all those who generously continue the search and relief efforts” to free people trapped beneath collapsed structures.
The College of Cardinals speaks with one voice
The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela also occupied a prominent place during the Catholic Church’s deliberations at the Holy See. At the close of the Extraordinary Consistory, the Pope joined the world’s highest-ranking Church leaders in calling for international assistance.
“Before I offer my concluding reflection, I wish to express our solidarity—my own and that of the entire College of Cardinals—with the people of Venezuela, who have suffered greatly because of the devastating earthquake of recent days. We assure our prayers for the victims, their families, and all those enduring the consequences of this tragedy. We also entrust to the Lord everyone taking part in the relief efforts, and we pray that the international community will continue to stand in solidarity with that beloved nation,” the Pontiff emphasized in his closing remarks.
Financial assistance and a national day of prayer
The Holy See also provided direct financial assistance. Through the Apostolic Almoner’s Office, the Vatican sent an initial contribution of €100,000 to support emergency relief efforts. Church officials coordinated the assistance after consulting with the Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela, Archbishop Alberto Ortega Martín, and the Archbishop of Caracas, Archbishop Raúl Biord Castillo.
Within Venezuela, the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference (CEV) called for a National Day of Prayer on Sunday, June 28, in support of everyone affected by the disaster.
