Pope Leo 14 publicly expressed – at the end of a meeting with the College of Cardinals, called a consistory – his sorrow for the consequences of the earthquake in Venezuela, which has left more than 1,430 people dead. The pontiff thanked the commitment of those working in search and assistance activities. On Saturday (27), he asked the international community for solidarity.
“I would like to express my solidarity with the Venezuelan sisters and brothers affected by the recent earthquakes, which caused countless victims and injuries, as well as enormous material damage. As I pray to the Lord for the eternal rest of the deceased, I renew my spiritual closeness with their families, with the injured and with all those who were affected by this tragedy. Likewise, I express my gratitude and encouragement to all those who work generously in search and assistance activities.”
The Catholic Church operates in the country through Venezuelan Cáritas. The president of the institution, Dom José Luis Azuaje Ayala, made an appeal to the website Vatican Newsasking for prayers for those affected by the earthquake and also insisted on the need to speed up the search for those who may still be trapped under the rubble.
“A joint effort between the various state agencies and civil society to help minimize the consequences of this tragedy”, he proposed.
Rescue teams in Venezuela race against time to save people trapped under the wreckage. This Saturday (27), an 11-year-old child and an 80-year-old woman were taken out alive.
New tremors
Archbishop Azuaje Ayala confirmed to the Vatican News that thousands of people are in squares or open areas, fearing replicas that could cause the collapse of other infrastructure and already damaged buildings. He also expresses concern about the critical situation of the electrical and drinking water distribution networks.
Meanwhile, in the various dioceses, reception centers are being organized through the Cáritas network and other organizations. Locations are also being identified where people who have lost their homes can find shelter. “This situation will last for a long time”, adds the president of Venezuelan Cáritas.
It is estimated that more than 70 thousand families were left homeless in the state of La Guaira alone.
Source: www.brasildefato.com.br