Pope Leo XIV assured the Venezuelan people that he continues to pray for them in the aftermath of a recent earthquake. Speaking after the Sunday Angelus on July 5, the Pope addressed members of the Choir of the University of Mérida and offered words of spiritual support for those suffering. You can read Aleteia’s full report for details.
What happened
At his midday Angelus address, Pope Leo XIV spoke directly to Venezuelans affected by the earthquake. “I continue to remember in my prayers the victims of the earthquake and all the Venezuelan people,” the Pope said. “May the Lord sustain them in this time of great hardship.”
The Pope’s remarks came as he greeted members of the Choir of the University of Mérida, a Venezuelan institution, who were present in St. Peter’s Square. The earthquake referenced appears to have occurred recently, though the full extent of casualties and damage was not detailed in the Pope’s brief remarks.
Why this matters
Papal prayers for disaster victims are a consistent part of the Church’s ministry of presence to the suffering. Venezuela has faced years of political instability, economic collapse, and humanitarian crisis. Natural disasters compound an already dire situation for millions of Venezuelans.
The Pope’s public assurance that he continues to pray signals to Venezuelan Catholics that they are not forgotten by the universal Church. It also invites Catholics worldwide to join that prayer, even when a crisis no longer dominates news headlines.
For Catholic readers
Pray for the victims of the Venezuela earthquake and for all Venezuelans enduring hardship. Consider supporting Catholic relief organizations working in Venezuela, such as Catholic Relief Services or Aid to the Church in Need, which provide both material assistance and pastoral care in crisis zones.
Sources:
1. Aleteia — original report
