DILI, 29 June 2026 (TATOLI) – Pope Leo XIV on Sunday offered prayers for the victims of the deadly twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week as the death toll rose to nearly 1,500.
“I wish to express my closeness to the Venezuelan sisters and brothers affected by the recent earthquakes that have caused numerous victims and injured, as well as great material damages,” the Pope said on Sunday before leading the Angelus prayer in Rome, according to Vatican News.
He urged everyone to pray for the affected families and for the rescue teams working in the disaster-hit areas.
“As we pray to the Lord for the eternal repose of the deceased, I renew my spiritual closeness to their families, the injured, and those struck by this tragedy. At the same time, I express my gratitude and support to those who are generously carrying out search and rescue efforts,” the pontiff said.
UNICEF, on Saturday estimated that 1.8 million people, including 680,000 children, are in need of humanitarian assistance.
The President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, on Sunday, reported that the death toll from the earthquakes had risen to 1,450, while 3,150 people had been injured.
Rodriguez said the quakes have left 12,721 people homeless and damaged 774 buildings, including 189 that collapsed completely and 585 that sustained partial damage.
Meanwhile, 38 hospitals were damaged, but authorities quickly organized repair efforts to restore essential services. In addition, 44 shopping centres and 1,645 other buildings and infrastructure were also damaged.
Rodriguez said that the Venezuelan government had provided immediate assistance to 73,937 affected families, distributing 7.225 million kilograms of food and 20,000 bags of food, primarily in the state of La Guaira. Authorities have also served 222,147 hot meals to date.
TATOLI
