Venezuela is one of the nine countries that make up the Pan-Amazon region. It is a nation with abundant natural resources, but is submerged in a dramatic crisis.
In little more than 50 percent of the land, approximately 30 indigenous populations exist threatened by political crisis, corruption and illegal mining.
Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Porras is one of the delegate presidents for this synod. He says the assembly is extremely important in this moment.
CARD. BALTAZAR PORRAS
Delegate president for Amazon synod
“We must accept the reality of the common home. From there goes the influence it has for current and future generations. Having criticism is normal. It is normal because the synod touches many interests. It really touches on what the pope has placed at the center of his gestures and discourses.”
Due to the crisis, thousands of Venezuelans have left the country, increasing the Amazon region’s role as a migration corridor. Nonetheless, drug trafficking and corruption are the biggest threats.
CARD. BALTAZAR PORRAS
Delegate president for Amazon synod
“Let us not falter. We must rebuild hope day by day to overcome this terrible crisis that we are living. More than an economic or social crisis, it is a crisis of values. If we do not practice the authentic value of charity, which is mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation, we cannot have the true equality and justice that we all want.”
The Venezuelan cardinal hopes the Amazon synod will help foster a greater understanding of the challenges to respecting human dignity, especially in the indigenous populations.
