VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo on Sunday called for support and expressed his heartfelt solidarity with the people of Venezuela as the country continues to reel from two powerful earthquakes that struck earlier this week.
Speaking in Spanish to worshippers gathered in Rome for the Sunday Angelus prayer, the pontiff said, “I wish to express my closeness to the Venezuelan sisters and brothers affected by the recent earthquakes that caused numerous victims and injuries.”
Prior to his papacy, Leo spent many years serving as a missionary and bishop in Peru, a Spanish-speaking nation in South America. He is also planning an extensive trip to southern Latin America in November, with stops expected in Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay.
The pope also took a moment to thank rescue workers and volunteers who have been working to help Venezuelans in the wake of the disaster.
On the international front, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced via a post on X that the European Union has committed 5 million euros — roughly $5.9 million — in emergency relief funding for communities impacted by the earthquakes.
Kallas also shared that she personally spoke with Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, to convey Europe’s support for the Venezuelan people during this difficult time.
“We have activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, with several member states rapidly deploying search-and-rescue teams, firefighters and medical personnel,” Kallas stated.
She further noted that the EU’s Copernicus satellite system is being used to assess the extent of the damage and help direct aid to the areas in greatest need.
