Pope Leo XIV on Sunday offered prayers and expressed solidarity with the people of Venezuela as rescue workers battled to find survivors after two powerful earthquakes killed nearly 1,500 people.
Speaking during the Angelus prayer at the Vatican, the pontiff urged Catholics worldwide to remember the victims, their families and emergency responders.
"I wish to express my closeness to the Venezuelan sisters and brothers affected by the recent earthquakes," Pope Leo said. "I renew my spiritual closeness to their families, the injured and those struck by this tragedy."
The Pope also thanked rescue workers "generously carrying out search and rescue efforts" and appealed for continued international support.
The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck Venezuela on Wednesday, leaving widespread destruction.
Authorities say nearly 70,000 people remain missing, with search teams continuing operations in hard-hit areas, including La Guaira state.
The Vatican has already sent an initial 100,000-euro humanitarian donation through the Apostolic Almoner's Office to support relief efforts.
Catholic churches and Caritas organizations across Venezuela have opened shelters and are providing food, medical care and emergency assistance to displaced families.
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