The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Cuba (CBCC) reached out to the Episcopal Conference of Venezuela on Thursday, expressing heartfelt solidarity following the catastrophic twin earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24. The tragic events resulted in at least 164 fatalities and 971 injuries, according to official reports.
This official letter, published on the Cuban Church's website, was signed by Arturo González Amador, Bishop of Santa Clara and President of the CBCC, and Eloy Ricardo Domínguez Martínez, Auxiliary Bishop of Havana and Secretary-General of the organization.
Addressed to Archbishops Jesús González de Zárate (Valencia and President of the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference), Raúl Biord Castillo (Caracas), and José Antonio Da Conceição Ferreira (Puerto Cabello and Secretary-General of the CEV), the letter conveys the deep concern and shock felt by the Cuban bishops.
"With concern and empathy, we have learned of the powerful earthquake that struck various areas in western Venezuela and the nation's capital yesterday," the letter states.
The Cuban bishops expressed their heartfelt sorrow, describing the images of damaged buildings, homes, and places of worship, and empathized with the Venezuelan people's pain, insecurity, and uncertainty.
"Our prayers are especially directed towards the deceased, their families, and friends," the letter continues.
The message concludes with a call for comfort from Venezuela's patroness: "May Our Lady of Coromoto accompany and console the Venezuelan people, particularly those whose loved ones, peace, and possessions have been affected by this tragedy."
The two quakes—measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5—occurred on Wednesday, only 39 seconds apart, during a national holiday commemorating the Battle of Carabobo.
The epicenter of the first earthquake was near San Felipe in the state of Yaracuy, while the second struck close to Yumare. Both were shallow, intensifying the destruction across a broad region in the north of the country.
In Caracas, several buildings collapsed, including the 14-story Petunia residential building and a 22-story tower in Altamira. Over 30 aftershocks were recorded following the main earthquakes.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) issued a Red Alert, estimating potential fatalities between 10,000 and 100,000 in an automated projection, while clarifying that this is not an actual victim count.
The Cuban letter joins a wave of international Catholic Church support: the episcopal conferences of Spain and Argentina also sent messages to the CEV, while U.S. President Donald Trump offered aid to Venezuela, deploying search and rescue teams.
The Cuban Church's website encapsulated the spirit of the message with a phrase accompanying the letter's publication: "Faith unites us, charity sustains us, and hope drives us toward a better future."
Key Details on the Venezuelan Earthquake and International Support
What was the magnitude of the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes measured magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
What was the impact of the earthquakes in Caracas?
In Caracas, several buildings collapsed, including a 14-story residential building and a 22-story tower, with over 30 aftershocks following the main quakes.
How did the international community respond to the Venezuelan earthquakes?
The international Catholic Church expressed support, with messages from Spain and Argentina. The U.S. President also offered assistance and deployed search and rescue teams.