The Holy See has responded swiftly to the tragedy caused by the devastating earthquake that has struck Venezuela. Leo XIV has sent an initial aid package of 100,000 euros through the Apostolic Almonry to meet the most urgent needs of the affected population, while the Venezuelan Church continues to work on the ground assisting thousands of victims.
The aid was agreed upon following contacts with the Apostolic Nuncio in Venezuela, Archbishop Alberto Ortega Martín, and the Archbishop of Caracas, Archbishop Raúl Biord Castillo. The Vatican has stated that it will continue to monitor the evolution of the emergency and will consider further assistance as indicated by the local Church.
La Guaira, the epicenter of the devastation
The most dramatic situation is unfolding in the coastal state of La Guaira, declared a “catastrophic zone” by Venezuelan authorities after the two violent earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, which have so far left at least 164 dead and nearly a thousand injured.
“We are without electricity and everyone has been affected. Many walls have collapsed in the seminary,” explained the Bishop of La Guaira, Bishop Pablo Modesto González Pérez. The prelate also confirmed that several churches in the diocese have suffered significant structural damage.
Archbishop Raúl Biord Castillo of Caracas also reported that the cathedral and around a dozen churches have been damaged. “Many parishes have taken in people so they could spend the night in their facilities. We have already launched a solidarity network through the parish Caritas,” he said after visiting the affected areas.
The Church once again becomes a refuge for the victims
From the first hours after the earthquake, parishes, seminaries, and ecclesial centers have opened their doors to shelter those who have lost everything, while Caritas Venezuela coordinates the distribution of emergency aid through its extensive network of volunteers.
This response has also been joined by Caritas Internationalis, which has announced an extraordinary contribution of another 100,000 euros to strengthen humanitarian efforts in collaboration with the Venezuelan Church.
Marco Mencaglia, Director of Projects at Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) International, stated that the Church is acting “as it always has in times of crisis: opening our doors, accompanying those who have lost everything, and bringing hope where fear has spread.”
The Pope’s closeness to Venezuela
The Pope had already publicly expressed his concern for the country’s situation and had assured the Venezuelan bishops of his prayers and spiritual closeness.
The contribution from the Apostolic Almonry constitutes the Holy See’s first financial response following the disaster and adds to the intense assistance work being carried out by the Venezuelan Church on the ground. As rescue efforts continue and the death toll keeps rising, parishes, seminaries, and Caritas centers remain open to offer shelter, material aid, and spiritual accompaniment to families struck by one of the worst natural tragedies the country has suffered in recent decades.