Pope Leo XIV expresses solidarity with Venezuela, thanks rescuers after deadly earthquakes

Pope Leo XIV conveyed his solidarity with the people of Venezuela on Sunday, following devastating earthquakes that have claimed more than 1,400 lives. The pontiff offered prayers for the deceased and expressed spiritual closeness to their families and the millions affected by the tragedy.

"I wish to express my closeness to my Venezuelan brothers and sisters affected by the recent earthquakes that caused numerous victims and injuries, as well as immense material damage," the Pope said in Spanish after reciting the Angelus prayer. He also prayed for the "eternal rest of the deceased."

The pontiff extended his gratitude and encouragement to those generously engaged in search and assistance efforts. The double seismic event that struck Venezuela has so far resulted in over 1,400 deaths and an estimated 50,000 disappearances, according to the UN, with millions displaced as the crucial 72-hour window for finding survivors nears its end.

The coastal state of La Guaira, near Caracas, is the most severely impacted region by the two earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, which struck the country on Wednesday at 6:04 PM local time with seconds of each other.