Catholic leaders call for prayers, aid after deadly Venezuela earthquakes

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is urging the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to Venezuela following the country's devastating earthquakes, joining Pope Leo XIV and Catholic relief organizations in responding to the disaster.

Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on International Justice and Peace, issued a June 25 statement offering prayers and solidarity with those affected by the earthquakes, which have killed at least 920 people, soaring above initial reports.

"In the wake of the devastating earthquakes that have impacted Venezuela, causing significant loss of life and severe destruction,” he wrote, “I offer the prayers and solidarity of the Church in the United States to our sisters and brothers affected by this tragedy.”

As rescue efforts continue, Bishop Zaidan urged the international community to mobilize humanitarian assistance to help alleviate the suffering of the Venezuelan people.

According to the USCCB, Catholic Relief Services, the international relief agency of the Catholic Church in the U.S., and its partner, Caritas Venezuela, are already responding to the disaster and assessing humanitarian needs.

As Zeale News previously reported, Pope Leo XIV also sent an initial emergency donation of 100,000 euros, or about $116,600 to Venezuela. 

The Archdiocese of Caracas has likewise appealed for prayers and solidarity. After touring damaged churches and affected communities, Archbishop Raúl Biord Castillo encouraged the faithful to unite in prayer in a June 25 facebook post.