26 June 2026
Bilbao
Jesuit Universities (UNIJES) are deeply saddened by the devastating earthquakes that have struck Venezuela, triggering a major humanitarian crisis, with significant loss of life and extensive damage to homes, infrastructure and essential services.
At this time of profound sorrow, their thoughts are with the people of Venezuela, especially the alumni, students, academic and professional staff, and the communities of the country's Jesuit universities. They stand in solidarity with the community of the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello (UCAB), as well as the Universidad Católica del Táchira (UCAT), the Instituto Universitario Jesús Obrero and the Instituto Universitario San Francisco. We also extend our solidarity to the entire Association of Universities Entrusted to the Society of Jesus in Latin America (AUSJAL) and to the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Arturo Sosa SJ. We offer them our prayers, affection and hope.
These events are deeply moving and a reminder of our fragility and vulnerability, but they also highlight the strength of the bonds that unite us as a university community and as an Ignatian family. In times such as these, it becomes clear that the meaning of the Jesuit mission lies not only in academic or professional achievement, but also in commitment to others, in mutual care, and in the hope we are able to share, accompanying and supporting one another. As Pope Francis has so often reminded us, this reality confronts us with an essential question: «Who are we for?»
UNIJES acknowledges and expresses its gratitude for the swift response of the organisations of the Society of Jesus present on the ground. Entreculturas and Alboan, as part of the Xavier Network, together with Fe y Alegría and the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), are already assessing the most urgent needs and mobilising humanitarian aid to provide temporary shelter, essential supplies, protection and psychosocial support to those affected.
Jesuit universities encourage the entire university community to remain united in solidarity with the people of Venezuela and to support, as far as possible, the aid initiatives responding to this emergency.
