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Venezuelan bishops call for reconstruction free from negligence and corruption
One month after devastating earthquakes struck northern and central Venezuela, the country’s bishops call for a reconstruction process free from negligence, corruption and political interests, while urging solidarity with survivors and thanking rescuers, volunteers and Pope Leo XIV for their closeness.
By Alina Tufani Díaz
One month after twin earthquakes devastated northern and central Venezuela, the country’s bishops have issued a message entitled “Good Samaritans, Witnesses of Hope.”
The earthquakes claimed thousands of lives – over 5,000 deaths have been confirmed to date, but many people remain missing – and they have displaced countless families and destroyed homes, infrastructure and Church buildings, leaving what the bishops describe as a nation “filled with sorrow.”
The bishops say the tragedy has further worsened Venezuela’s already difficult social, political and economic situation, and insist that reconstruction must not be driven by political interests or corruption that could once again put people’s lives at risk.
They also voice concern over what they describe as the failure of public institutions to respond adequately to the emergency.
“Reconstruction also requires us to echo the indignation of the earthquake victims who were left without adequate assistance by public institutions,” they write. “Natural disasters are unpredictable, but it is the duty of State authorities to be prepared to respond to them,” they write.
The bishops warn that unless lessons are learned, “the weakest will once again bear the consequences of corruption and indifference.”
Survivors contemplate the rubble
Rebuilding lives
The message calls for a “swift and far-reaching reconstruction” that provides those displaced by the earthquakes with decent housing and dignified employment, while also offering spiritual and psychological support to help heal the trauma caused by the disaster.
The bishops add that reconstruction should not overlook others who continue to suffer throughout the country, including political prisoners, workers and pensioners living on meagre incomes, the sick and migrants.
God is with the victims
Reflecting on the parable of the Good Samaritan, the bishops address the question often asked in times of tragedy: “Where is God amid so much anguish?”
They answer that God is present “in and with the victims,” whom they describe as especially dear to Christ, the true Good Samaritan. They also firmly reject claims that the earthquakes were a punishment from God, describing such assertions as rooted in superstition and fundamentalism.
Members of the Mexican rescue team
A witness of solidarity
The bishops urge the faithful to become “compassionate Good Samaritans,” sharing in the suffering of others and working freely to relieve their pain.
They also pay tribute to the solidarity shown throughout the country, especially by poorer communities, and praise the courage of rescue workers who risked their lives to save people trapped beneath the rubble.
The message expresses gratitude to volunteers, including many from abroad, saying they demonstrated that all people are brothers and sisters beyond borders and national flags.
The bishops also thank Pope Leo XIV for his closeness, as well as the support of sister Churches throughout the world and the humanitarian assistance provided through the network of national and international Caritas.
Finally, they invite the faithful to take part in Masses on 24 July in every parish and community, praying for those who lost their lives in the earthquakes, for all those affected by the disaster and for Venezuela.
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