Pope Leo XIV sends message of support to Venezuelans after earthquakes

Pope Leo XIV offered a message of solidarity to Venezuelans on Sunday, following two earthquakes that struck the country on June 24. The seismic events have resulted in a significant death toll, with 2,954 fatalities and 16,592 individuals injured.

Speaking in Spanish from the window of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV stated, "I always remember the earthquake victims and all the Venezuelan people in my prayers; may the Lord sustain you in this very difficult moment."

The twin earthquakes represent one of the most severe tragedies in Venezuela's contemporary history, causing widespread destruction, particularly in Caracas and the state of La Guaira. La Guaira had previously experienced a devastating landslide in 1999 that also claimed thousands of lives.

International organizations have expressed concern over the earthquakes' impact. The spokesperson for the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM), Zoe Brennan, indicated on Friday that up to 6.76 million people could have been affected by the tremors.

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I always remember the earthquake victims and all the Venezuelan people in my prayers; may the Lord sustain you in this very difficult moment.