Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has sent an initial emergency donation of 100,000 euros to support relief efforts in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes caused widespread destruction, claiming at least 164 lives and leaving hundreds injured. The contribution was announced as rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings across the country.
The donation has been made through the Apostolic Almoner's Office and is intended to provide immediate assistance to people affected by the disaster. According to the Holy See, the aid is only the first step, with additional support expected as the needs of the affected communities become clearer in the coming days.
The Vatican said the relief effort is being coordinated with the Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela, Archbishop Alberto Ortega Martín, and the Archbishop of Caracas, Archbishop Raúl Biord Castillo. Working closely with the local Church, they will help ensure that the assistance reaches those most in need.
The earthquakes struck on Wednesday evening, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. The powerful tremors caused severe damage across several regions, bringing down homes, public buildings and churches. Rescue workers have been racing against time to reach people believed to be trapped under the rubble.
The coastal state of La Guaira, located north of the capital Caracas, has suffered the worst damage. Dozens of buildings have collapsed, leaving entire neighbourhoods in ruins. Authorities say the death toll has reached at least 164, while nearly 1,000 people have been injured. Officials fear these numbers will rise as emergency crews continue searching through the debris.
More than twenty aftershocks have shaken the region since the initial earthquakes, creating additional danger for rescue teams and residents. The tremors have also been felt in neighbouring Colombia, adding to concerns across the region.
The disaster has forced the closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas as authorities inspect infrastructure for possible damage. Engineers are continuing to examine roads, bridges and public buildings to determine whether they remain safe for use.
President Delcy Rodríguez has declared a national state of disaster and emergency, describing La Guaira as a disaster zone. The declaration allows the government to mobilise additional resources and coordinate relief operations more effectively.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has urged people to stay outdoors and avoid entering damaged buildings until safety inspections have been completed. Officials have warned that weakened structures could collapse because of continuing aftershocks.
Despite suffering damage themselves, Catholic churches across Venezuela have quickly opened their doors to support those affected. Parish buildings are being used as temporary shelters for families who have lost their homes, while local Caritas organisations are distributing food, water, clothing and other emergency supplies.
Several church buildings, including Caracas Cathedral, parish churches and seminaries, have sustained structural damage during the earthquakes. Even so, priests, religious and volunteers continue to provide shelter, practical assistance and spiritual care to survivors during this difficult time.
Pope Leo's donation reflects the Catholic Church's commitment to standing alongside communities facing tragedy. The Vatican said it remains in close contact with Church leaders in Venezuela and will continue to assess the situation as recovery efforts progress.
International support is also beginning to arrive from countries across the Americas and beyond. Search and rescue teams from several nations are joining local emergency workers in the hope of finding more survivors beneath the collapsed buildings. As relief operations continue, humanitarian agencies and Church organisations are working together to provide immediate assistance and help affected communities begin the long process of recovery.