Pope Leo XIV appeals for Venezuela on Sunday (@Vatican Media)
Pope on Venezuela: Overcome violence, safeguard country’s
sovereignty
At the Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV calls for the good of
the Venezuelan people to prevail, for the rule of law to be upheld, and for the
human and civil rights of all to be respected.
Vatican News
Pope Leo XIV expressed his concern on Sunday over recent
developments in Venezuela, after United States forces arrested Nicolás Maduro
in Caracas on Saturday and brought him to New York for trial.
“The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over
every other consideration and lead us to overcome violence and to undertake
paths of justice and peace, safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, ensuring
the rule of law enshrined in the Constitution, respecting the human and civil
rights of each person and of all, and working to build together a serene future
of collaboration, stability, and concord, with special attention to the poorest
who suffer because of the difficult economic situation,” said the Pope at the
midday Angelus prayer.
Speaking in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo invited everyone to
pray for the Venezuelan people, assuring them of his own prayers.
He also entrusted all Venezuelans to the intercession of Our
Lady of Coromoto, Patroness of Venezuela, St. José Gregorio Hernández, and St.
Carmen Rendiles.
Pope Leo XIV concluded his Angelus appeals with an
invitiation to trust in the God of peace.
“Let us continue to have faith in the God of peace,” he
urged. “Let us pray and stand in solidarity with the peoples who suffer because
of wars.”
Venezuelan Bishops’ appeal
In the early hours of January 3, US special forces entered
Caracas, striking several military areas of the capital and capturing Mr.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, at their residence.
They were taken into custody, brought to prison in New York,
and charged with several felonies.
On Sunday, the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference issued a
message in response to the events, expressing the Church’s closeness to
Venezuelans.
“In view of the events that our country is experiencing today,
let us ask God to grant all Venezuelans serenity, wisdom, and strength,” he
said. “We stand in solidarity with those who were injured and with the families
of those who died. Let us persevere in prayer for the unity of our people.”
The Bishops called for decisions to be made for the good of
the Venezuelan people.
“We make an appeal to the people of God to live more
intensely hope and fervent prayer for peace in our hearts and in society; we
reject any kind of violence,” they said. “May our hands open to encounter and
mutual help, and may the decisions that are made be made always for the good of
our people.”
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