CARACAS, Venezuela — The Archdiocese of Caracas has reported that at least 25 of its more than 100 churches sustained damage of varying severity following the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, according to Father Neptalí Balza, vicar general of the archdiocese.
In an interview with Unión Radio, Father Balza noted that the earthquakes have left over 4,000 dead and tens of thousands injured or affected. Among the damaged churches, most are no longer holding Mass indoors due to safety concerns. “We must not needlessly put people’s lives at risk,” he said, adding that parishioners are now gathering outdoors for services.
The oldest religious structures were most affected. For example, San José de Ñaraulí Church in Cotiza suffered a total collapse of its left transept. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Pagüita and its adjacent parish school have serious structural issues. Our Lady of Mercy Church and the Caracas Cathedral also sustained significant damage.
Father Balza said that qualified personnel have assessed the majority of the 25 affected churches, with at least eight to ten buildings showing severe damage. The archdiocese is now considering restoration projects, emphasizing that several of these churches are national monuments and historical heritage sites. “It is advisable, even if they have sustained significant damage, to try to carry out projects to save the heritage and structures of those churches,” he urged.
