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Pope Leo prays for Venezuela as quake death toll rises
Pope Leo XIV expresses his solidarity and calls for prayers for the people of Venezuela, as the death toll from two earthquakes rises sharply.
By Devin Watkins
As he prayed the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV spoke in Spanish to express his closeness to Venezuela, where two massive earthquakes struck in quick succession this week.
He invited everyone to join him in praying for victims and their families, as well as for the work of rescue crews.
“I wish to express my closeness to the Venezuelan sisters and brothers affected by the recent earthquakes that have caused numerous victims and injured, as well as great material damages,” he said. As we pray to the Lord for the eternal repose of the deceased, I renew my spiritual closeness to their families, the injured, and those struck by this tragedy. At the same time, I express my gratitude and support to those who are generously carrying out search and rescue efforts.”
As he concluded the Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals on Saturday evening, Pope Leo shared the closeness of all the College of Cardinals with the people of Venezuela.
“We assure our prayers for the victims, their families, and all those suffering the consequences of this tragedy,” he said. “We ask that the solidarity of the international community may not be lacking toward that dear nation.”
Rescue crews working around the clock
Rescue crews have been working tirelessly to dig through the rubble in La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit states.
The death toll rose on Saturday to nearly 1,500 victims, with almost 70,000 people still missing.
On Wednesday, a 7.2- and a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the region.
Pope Leo XIV immediately sent an initial donation of 100,000 euros to assist victims and their families.
The humanitarian aid was sent through the Apostolic Almoner’s Office and was coordinated with the Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela, Archbishop Alberto Ortega Martín, and the Archbishop of Caracas, Archbishop Raúl Biord Castillo.
Catholic communities and charities across the country have mobilized by opening parish buildings to shelter displaced families and offer emergency assistance through local Caritas networks.
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