Pope Leo and EU pledge aid after deadly Venezuela earthquakes

Pope Leo expressed solidarity with the people of Venezuela, saying, “I want to express my closeness to the sisters and brothers in Venezuela who have been injured by the recent earthquakes, which have caused many victims and the wounded.” He made the remarks in Spanish ahead of a Sunday prayer in Rome.

European Union foreign‑policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that the EU has mobilised €5 million for emergency assistance to the affected Venezuelan communities. The EU has activated its Civil Protection Mechanism, with member states deploying search‑and‑rescue teams, firefighters and medical personnel. The Copernicus satellite system is being used to map damage and target aid. Kallas said she had spoken with Venezuela’s transitional president Delcy Rodríguez to convey Europe’s support.