Pope Leo expressed his solidarity today with the people of Venezuela as they continue to cope with the devastating impact of two successive earthquakes that struck the country earlier this week.
“I wish to express my closeness to our brothers and sisters in Venezuela who have been affected by the recent earthquakes, which have caused many deaths and injuries,” the Pontiff said in Spanish ahead of the Sunday prayer in Rome.
Before his election as Pope, Leo spent decades serving as a missionary and bishop in Peru, a Spanish-speaking country. He is planning a major visit to South America in November, which is expected to include Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay.
The Pope also expressed his gratitude to rescue workers and all those assisting the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the earthquakes.
