Pope Leo Sends Emergency Aid to Earthquake-Hit Venezuela as Church Responds to Devastation

Pope Leo XIV has sent an initial emergency donation of €100,000 to Venezuela following powerful earthquakes that caused widespread destruction, killing more than 160 people and injuring hundreds, according to Vatican News.

The contribution, sent through the Apostolic Almoner’s Office, is intended to support relief efforts as rescue teams continue searching collapsed buildings and assisting communities affected by the disaster.

Vatican News reported that the Pope’s aid was coordinated with the Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela, Archbishop Alberto Ortega Martín, and the Archbishop of Caracas, Archbishop Raúl Biord Castillo. The Holy See said the donation represents an initial response, with further assistance expected based on needs identified by the local Church.

The earthquakes struck overnight, with tremors measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. Authorities said the coastal state of La Guaira, north of the capital Caracas, suffered some of the worst damage, with numerous buildings collapsing and infrastructure severely affected.

At least 164 people have been reported dead, while nearly 1,000 others were injured. Officials warned that the death toll could rise as rescue workers continue operations among the rubble.

Caracas’ Simón Bolívar International Airport was temporarily closed, and more than 20 aftershocks were recorded, with tremors felt in neighboring countries including Colombia.

President Delcy Rodríguez declared a national state of disaster and emergency, describing La Guaira as a “disaster zone.” Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged residents to remain away from damaged structures while engineers assessed the safety of buildings and critical infrastructure.

The Catholic Church in Venezuela has joined the emergency response. Parish communities have opened church buildings to shelter displaced families, while local Caritas networks are organizing assistance for those affected.

Several Church properties, including Caracas Cathedral, parish churches, seminaries and other religious buildings, sustained damage from the earthquakes. Despite the destruction, Church leaders have continued providing food, shelter and pastoral support to families who lost their homes.

As international assistance begins arriving from across the Americas and beyond, rescue teams remain engaged in search-and-rescue operations, hoping to find survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.

Vatican News said Pope Leo XIV’s gesture reflects the Church’s closeness to the people of Venezuela during a moment of profound suffering and uncertainty