The Voice of the suffering in Latin America

In one of the poorest and most densely populated communities in Caracas, the Church has mobilized to care for the wounded from La Guaira. ACN has approved an emergency aid package of $113,828 to support the Church’s response to the catastrophe. When Venezuela was struck by deadly earthquakes recently, Bishop Juan Carlos Bravo Salazar of Petare was in Merida, over 300 miles away. With all flights canceled, he had to embark on a 16-hour trip by land back to his ...

Denis Alaniz keeps a close eye on his homeland as he enjoys freedom and democracy in “home away from home.”As America celebrates its 250th birthday, the “inalienable rights” of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness acknowledged by the Declaration of Independence continue to inspire millions of would-be immigrants and refugees.Those rights — including religious liberty — are still denied to significant numbers of people living under oppressive regimes.Denis Alaniz is one of those refugees who has come to these shores ...

Archbishop Raúl Biord of Caracas says the Church is accompanying victims of the earthquakes while rescue efforts continue. As search and rescue efforts continue following the devastating earthquakes that shook Venezuela, the Church has begun to deal with the great challenge of accompanying a deeply traumatized population. “For those who survived, it was a miracle, but we lost many people,” says Archbishop Raúl Biord of Caracas, speaking to international charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). The magnitude of ...

Foundation is in constant contact with Church officials in the devastated country. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has allocated $120,000 in immediate aid for the Church in Venezuela following the two major earthquakes that struck the country June 24. The pontifical foundation wants to support the work of the priests and religious communities which, despite having suffered serious damage, are accompanying the victims, welcoming families and spiritually supporting communities struck by fear, mourning and uncertainty. As rescue teams ...

The international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is calling for prayers for the people of Venezuela, after two strong earthquakes on Wednesday caused fatalities, injuries, and serious material damage, and left thousands of people afraid to return to their homes. ACN is sending emergency and long-term aid to the Church in Venezuela, which it has long considered a priority country. Shortly after 6 P.M. on June 24, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck. Just 39 seconds later, ...

ACN mourns the death of Cuba’s first bishop of African descent. Pontifical charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) expresses its deepest regret over the death of Bishop Silvano Herminio Pedroso Montalvo of Guantánamo-Baracoa on June 13, at the age of 73, following a serious illness. His death is a great loss for the Church in Cuba, as the country endures a profound economic and social crisis. Bishop Silvano made history when he became the first bishop of African ...