Pope Thanks and Encourages Those Helping in Venezuela After Earthquakes

Pope Leo XIV extended his "gratitude and encouragement" to those aiding in Venezuela after devastating earthquakes, expressing his spiritual closeness to all 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 injured, as well as immense material damage," the pontiff said in Spanish from the window of the Apostolic Palace after the Angelus prayer. He prayed for the "eternal rest of the deceased" and renewed his "spiritual closeness" to their families and all those impacted by the "tragedy."

The powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude, struck Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon. Official figures from Venezuelan Parliament President Jorge Rodríguez indicate at least 1,430 deaths and thousands injured. The quakes also caused extensive material damage, with collapsed buildings still concealing missing persons.

Following the seismic events, Pope Leo XIV dispatched an initial financial aid of 100,000 euros (approximately 100 million Chilean pesos) through the Apostolic Almoner's Office to address the most urgent needs of the victims.