Jesuit priest explains ongoing earthquake recovery in Venezuela

Jesuit priest Jesús Rafael Rodríguez Villarroel, known as Txuo, says Venezuela remains in a state of emergency four months after earthquakes caused thousands of deaths and massive material damage. Speaking at the Manos Unidas headquarters in Madrid, Rodríguez Villarroel, who directs the foundation Unidos en la Misión, stated that the emergency will only end when families regain secure homes and children return to classrooms.

The priest noted that while physical buildings can be repaired, the psychological and emotional wounds of loss require psychosocial support. He reported that the earthquakes occurred during an existing national crisis.

Rodríguez Villarroel, whose foundation works with Manos Unidas to distribute aid to earthquake victims, also addressed the political situation. He urged for unity and reconciliation, suggesting that people should set aside differences to combine their efforts for the country.