Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, has expressed his condolences following the devastating earthquake in Venezuela that claimed the lives of more than 1,400 people and caused widespread destruction.

According to a statement released by the Communication Service of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department for External Church Relations, Patriarch Kirill sent a message of sympathy to Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez Gómez.

"I am deeply saddened by the news of the earthquake in Venezuela, which has claimed many lives, left numerous people injured, and caused severe damage to the country's infrastructure," the Patriarch said in his message. "Sharing the grief of all those affected by this tragedy, I extend my heartfelt condolences to them and to the entire Venezuelan people."

Patriarch Kirill also said he is praying for the swift recovery of those injured, for comfort and strength for the families of the victims, and for God's assistance to the doctors, emergency responders, and rescue workers continuing operations in the disaster zone.

The powerful earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck Venezuela on June 24 less than a minute apart. The tremors caused extensive damage in the capital region and La Guaira State, prompting one of the largest rescue operations in the country's history.

Search-and-rescue efforts have continued for more than two and a half days, with Venezuelan authorities and international emergency teams working to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble.

According to the latest official figures, more than 1,400 people have been killed and over 3,200 injured. Authorities and humanitarian organizations have warned that the death toll could continue to rise as rescue operations and damage assessments remain ongoing.