Pope Leo XIV's thoughts and prayers are with Venezuela, which was ravaged on June 24 by twin, tremendous earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 that badly damaged the La Guaina area. The Pontiff conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to a nation forced to face yet another catastrophe at the end of the Angelus prayer: the provisional toll is staggering, with over 1,400 fatalities, 3,200 injured, and more than 50,000 persons still missing in the ruins. "I wish to express my closeness to our Venezuelan sisters and brothers", the Pope remarked, wishing everlasting rest for the deceased and comfort for their families. Speaking in Spanish, Leo XIV praised and supported the rescue personnel who were in a race against time. Among them is an Italian task force of 97 professionals made up of seismic research experts from the Fire Department and medical teams. The Pontiff's solidarity has also been clearly displayed. Following the earthquake, the Pope sent financial assistance of 100,000 euros through the Office of Papal Charities, after consulting with Apostolic Nuncio Ortega Martín and Archbishop of Caracas, Biord Castillo. Leo XIV, who had already urged cardinals from all over the world to pray for the country during the Consistory, now issued an appeal for sustained worldwide solidarity.