Pope Leo XIV has expressed his closeness this Saturday to the people of Venezuela affected by the earthquakes and has asked that the solidarity of the international community with the country “not be lacking.”

“I wish to express our closeness, mine and that of the entire College of Cardinals, to the people of Venezuela harshly hit by the violent earthquake of recent days,” said the pontiff at the end of the consistory of cardinals from around the world convened in the Vatican.

León XIV: “deseo expresar nuestra solidaridad, la mía y la de todo el Colegio Cardenalicio, con la población de #Venezuela, duramente afectada por el violento terremoto de estos días” pic.twitter.com/6cPh9WFlw9

— Vatican News (@vaticannews_es) June 27, 2026

Leo XIV assured his prayers “for the victims, their families and for all those who suffer the consequences of these tragedies” and entrusted to the Lord “all those involved in the relief efforts.”

Finally, the Pope asked that “the solidarity of the international community with this beloved nation not be lacking.”

The double earthquake that shook Venezuela on Wednesday has claimed the lives of at least 1,430 people and left thousands injured, according to the latest figures provided by the president of the Venezuelan Parliament, Jorge Rodríguez.

It has also caused extensive material damage and collapsed buildings, under which the missing are still being sought.

After the earthquake, Leo XIV sent an initial financial aid of 100,000 euros (about 114,000 dollars at the current exchange rate) to Venezuela through the Apostolic Almonry with the aim of meeting the most urgent needs of those affected.

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