Maria Corina Machado, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 and is a prominent figure in the Venezuelan opposition, made her first public appearance this Sunday in Panama City. She attended a church service held in memory of those affected by the devastating earthquake that struck northern Venezuela on June 24, expressing that the tragedy has brought the Venezuelan people together in solidarity.
The mass took place at the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria La Antigua, located in the historic district of Panama's capital. It was led by Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa.
Machado was accompanied at the religious event by former Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso, who led the Central American nation from 1999 to 2004, though her attendance hadn't been publicly announced beforehand.
After the service, the opposition leader expressed gratitude for the support received in Panama and shared her hope for Venezuela's future: "Today, we find ourselves in deep sorrow, but also with the faith that Venezuela will rise. I want to thank the people of Panama, each of you, for your warm welcome. Venezuela will rise stronger than ever; this pain has united us."
This marked her first public engagement in Panama since June 29, when she released a video accusing Nicolás Maduro's regime of closing Venezuela's commercial airspace to prevent her return following the natural disaster.
During the homily, Archbishop Ulloa greeted Machado "with respect and closeness," offering his "prayers for her to be guided, strengthened, and supported in her responsibilities serving her people."
Ulloa also called for concrete acts of solidarity with the Venezuelan victims, stating, "Today our prayers also embrace those suffering from the earthquake's consequences."
Collections made across Panamanian churches this Sunday will be directed through Caritas National Panama, in cooperation with Caritas Venezuela, to ensure transparent aid delivery to those in need.
The twin earthquakes on June 24 hit Venezuela on a national holiday, with entire families at home, exacerbating the human toll. La Guaira state was declared a disaster area; over 250 buildings collapsed, José María Vargas Hospital was destroyed, and Maiquetía International Airport suffered severe damage.
The official death toll from the Venezuelan regime stands at 3,342, although the UN has estimated up to 50,000 people missing nationwide, a figure that remains unverified independently.
Machado's attempt to return to Venezuela also sparked tensions with the Trump administration; White House officials criticized her actions as "grotesque political opportunism," claiming she sought "a photo op distributing aid," as reported by Axios on July 1.
Having received the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo in December 2025 after a perilous clandestine journey that included a sea crossing to Curaçao, Machado has reiterated her resolve to be present in Venezuela: "I need to be there," she stated upon learning the disaster's scale.
Key Questions About Maria Corina Machado's Role and the Venezuelan Earthquake
What was the purpose of Maria Corina Machado's visit to Panama?
Maria Corina Machado visited Panama to attend a church service dedicated to the victims of the Venezuelan earthquake that occurred on June 24. Her attendance was a show of solidarity and a means to express gratitude for the support Venezuela has received.
How did the earthquake affect Venezuela?
The earthquake on June 24 severely impacted Venezuela, particularly the state of La Guaira, resulting in over 250 collapsed buildings, the destruction of a major hospital, and significant damage to Maiquetía International Airport. The disaster claimed the lives of 3,342 people according to official reports, with up to 50,000 missing as estimated by the UN.
What challenges did Maria Corina Machado face in returning to Venezuela?
Maria Corina Machado faced challenges returning to Venezuela as the Maduro regime reportedly closed the country's commercial airspace to prevent her return after the earthquake. This move was seen as an attempt to limit her political influence within Venezuela.