VATICAN_ Pope Leo
“I wish to express my closeness to the Venezuelan sisters and brothers affected by the recent earthquakes, which have caused numerous victims and injuries, as well as enormous material damage,” the pontiff said in a message delivered in Spanish after the Angelus prayer.
Prayers for the victims
The Holy Father also wished the “eternal rest of the deceased” and conveyed his “spiritual closeness” to the families of the victims and all those affected by the tragedy.
“Likewise, I express my gratitude and encouragement to those who work generously in the search and assistance efforts,” he added.
A tragedy that mourns Venezuela
The two earthquakes that shook Venezuela have so far left more than 1,400 dead, some 50,000 missing – according to United Nations estimates – and millions of victims, when the 72 hours considered crucial to find survivors are about to expire.
The coastal state of La Guaira, neighboring the capital city Caracas, has been one of the areas hardest hit by the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes recorded on Wednesday at 6:04 p.m., with just seconds of difference between both events.
