Pope Leo XIV urges international solidarity for earthquake‑stricken Venezuela during Vatican consistory

Pope Leo XIV presided over an Extraordinary Consistory at the Vatican on 26‑27 June 2026, bringing together about 130 cardinals from around the world. In his opening and closing remarks he called for a culture of dialogue and peace, critiqued the traditional “just war” theory, warned about the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence, and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to synodality as a spiritual style of communion.

The Pope specifically expressed closeness to the people of Venezuela, where two powerful quakes on 24 June killed at least 1,430 people and left thousands injured and many missing. He announced a €100,000 humanitarian contribution from the Vatican’s Apostolic Almsgiving Office and prayed for the victims, their families and rescue teams. He appealed to the international community not to let solidarity with the “beloved nation” wane, urging continued aid and prayers.

Leo XIV also outlined future steps, including an October meeting with leaders of the Eastern Churches and episcopal conference presidents to review the implementation of the Synod’s conclusions, and stressed the need to address youth suffering, the roots of war in a “culture of power,” and the importance of lay participation in public life.