Pope Francis appeals for an end to violence in
Venezuela
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has appealed
for an end to violence in Venezuela and for respect of human
rights in the country where nearly 30 people have been killed in unrest this
month.
The Pope’s appeal came on Sunday before the recitation of
the Regina Caeli prayer in St. Peter’s Square.
“I make a heartfelt appeal to the government and all
components of Venezuelan society to avoid any more forms of violence, to
respect human rights and to seek a negotiated solution" he said.
Decrying the “grave humanitarian, social, political and
economic crisis that is exhausting the population", the Pope said we are
continuing to receive dramatic news of people being killed, injured, and
detained.
He said that he is “united in sorrow with the families of
the victims” and said he is praying for “peace, reconciliation and democracy
for that beloved nation.
Venezuela's opposition is demanding elections, autonomy for
the legislature where they have a majority, a humanitarian aid channel from
abroad to alleviate an economic crisis, and freedom for more than 100 activists
jailed by President Nicolas Maduro's government.
Vatican-led talks between the government and the opposition
have broken down. On Saturday evening during his return journey from Cairo, the
Pope answered a question regarding the crisis in Venezuela and said that “very
clear conditions" were necessary for the talks to resume.
Pope Francis also turned his thoughts and prayers for peace
to all nations that are undergoing “grave difficulties” such as the Republic of
Macedonia.
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