The apostolic nuncio in Venezuela, Monsignor Alberto Ortega, has announced that Pope Leo XIV has sent emergency financial aid to assist those affected by the earthquake that has shaken the country. In a video message, the Holy See’s representative also assured that the Pontiff continues to closely follow the development of the tragedy and accompanies the Venezuelan people with his prayers.
“The Pope was informed of the situation immediately”
At the beginning of his message, the nuncio wished to personally convey the Holy Father’s closeness to those suffering the consequences of the quake.
“In these very difficult moments for Venezuela, I want to express the greeting, closeness, and prayers of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, who was informed of the situation right away, continues to follow it closely, and is also very attentive with his prayers, as is the entire Church,” he stated.
Monsignor Ortega also revealed that the Pope wished to accompany this gesture of spiritual closeness with concrete assistance to meet the most urgent needs.
“He has also sent generous aid for emergency assistance,” the papal representative announced.
A call to faith and solidarity
The nuncio invited Venezuelans to face this moment with trust in God and mutual support.
“Now is the time to lift our eyes to heaven, as the Pope always invites us to do, to find strength and the consolation of God,” he noted.
He then encouraged the whole of society to mobilize in favor of those most affected by the catastrophe.
“This is also the moment for charity, the moment for solidarity, the moment to help all the victims, all those affected, to make present through concrete gestures the closeness and charity of the Lord as well,” he expressed.
Read also: Venezuela on its knees after a double earthquake: the Church calls for prayer
“It is time to rebuild together”
In the final part of his address, Monsignor Ortega made an appeal for unity in facing the reconstruction of the country after the earthquake.
“It is time to rebuild together, together to move forward from this sad situation,” he affirmed.
The nuncio concluded his message with a prayer for the deceased, the injured, and all those suffering the consequences of the quake, entrusting the Venezuelan people to the protection of Our Lady of Coromoto.
“A very special prayer for the victims, for the deceased, for their families, for the injured, for those who are suffering, and may we all take refuge in the protection of the Lord and also in the protection of our Mother, the Virgin of Coromoto. May God bless you,” he concluded.