BREAKING Twin Earthquakes in Venezuela Cause Many Deaths with Nearly a Thousand Injured - Pope Leo XIV Sends Over $100K in Aid

Pope Leo XIV Dispatches Emergency Aid to Earthquake-Devastated Venezuela

CARACAS — Pope Leo XIV has sent an initial €100,000 emergency donation to Venezuela following two powerful overnight earthquakes that killed at least 164 people with 971 injured, and left widespread destruction.

The aid, distributed through the Apostolic Almoner's Office, is a preliminary step coordinated alongside local Church leadership, including Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Alberto Ortega Martín and Archbishop of Caracas Raúl Biord Castillo. Further assistance is expected as local needs are assessed.

The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes heavily impacted the coastal state of La Guaira, prompting President Delcy Rodríguez to declare a national state of disaster. More than 20 aftershocks have rattled the region, with tremors felt as far away as Colombia. Caracas' Simón Bolívar International Airport remains closed as rescue teams search collapsed buildings for survivors.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has urged residents to stay outdoors while engineers inspect infrastructure. Despite sustaining structural damage to its own facilities—including the Caracas Cathedral and various seminaries—the local Catholic Church has opened its parish buildings to shelter displaced families, organizing relief through local Caritas networks as international rescue teams begin to arrive.

Key Updates: Vatican Sends Aid to Venezuela After Twin Quakes

• The Disaster: Two massive overnight earthquakes (magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5) struck Venezuela. The coastal state of La Guaira suffered the worst damage, and President Delcy Rodríguez has declared a national state of disaster.

• Casualties: At least 164 people are confirmed dead and nearly 1,000 are injured, with the toll expected to rise as rescuers search the rubble.

• Vatican Response: Pope Leo XIV sent an initial €100,000 in emergency aid via the Apostolic Almoner's Office, promising more help to follow.

• Church On the Ground: Despite structural damage to the Caracas Cathedral and local seminaries, Catholic parishes and Caritas networks are actively providing food, shelter, and pastoral care to those displaced.

• Infrastructure: Simón Bolívar International Airport is closed, and over 20 aftershocks have been recorded, prompting Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello to warn residents to stay away from unstable buildings.