As Venezuela mourns the devastating loss of life following two powerful earthquakes, Pope Leo XIV has responded with immediate humanitarian assistance while the Catholic Church continues serving those affected on the ground.
According to Vatican News, the Holy Father has authorized an initial emergency donation of €100,000 through the Apostolic Almoner’s Office to assist victims of the disaster. The Vatican said the aid is being coordinated with the Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela, Archbishop Alberto Ortega Martín, and the Archbishop of Caracas, Archbishop Raúl Biord Castillo, to ensure it reaches those most in need.
The Vatican emphasized that this financial assistance is “only a first step,” with additional support expected as local Church leaders identify further needs in the aftermath of the catastrophe.
The earthquakes, which struck Wednesday evening with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, have caused widespread destruction across parts of Venezuela. According to Vatican News, authorities report that at least 164 people have died, nearly 1,000 have been injured, and rescuers continue searching collapsed buildings for survivors. Officials have warned that the death toll is expected to rise.
The coastal state of La Guaira, north of Caracas, has suffered some of the worst damage, with dozens of buildings collapsing. More than twenty aftershocks have continued to shake the region, complicating rescue efforts.
Even amid the destruction, the Church has become a refuge for many families. According to Vatican News, Catholic parishes have opened their doors to shelter displaced residents, while local Caritas organizations are providing emergency assistance, food, and other essential aid.
The disaster has also affected the Church itself. Vatican News reports that Caracas Cathedral, several parish churches, seminaries, and other Church properties have sustained structural damage. Despite these losses, clergy and volunteers have continued ministering to those who have lost their homes and loved ones.
Civil authorities have declared a national state of disaster and emergency. According to Vatican News, officials have urged residents to remain outdoors and away from damaged structures while engineers inspect buildings and critical infrastructure for safety.
As international rescue teams and humanitarian organizations arrive to assist, Pope Leo’s donation serves as an early sign of the Catholic Church’s solidarity with the people of Venezuela. While emergency crews race against time to find survivors, Catholics around the world are also being called to remember the victims, their families, and all those risking their lives in rescue and relief efforts through prayer.
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