Many were expecting a statement from the Venezuelan bishops following Venezulan leader Maduro’s arrest. In an interview with Rome Reports on January 23, journalist Edgar Beltrán explained the possible reason for the bishops’ conference’s silence
EDGAR BELTRÁN
Vatican Correspondent, The Pillar
Not to say that they don't speak of the situation, but they're more careful. They usually, with exceptions, they usually speak as a body. So, usually, they publish joint pastoral letters in which they usually denounce the human rights situation in the country, they speak of this. They call for freedom for elections, for example, usually as a bishop's body.
And it appears that Beltrán was right. On February 9, after their plenary assembly, they published a letter entitled ‘Your Light Will Break Forth Like the Dawn.’
Since the United States captured Nicolás Maduro, uncertainty, concerns, and fears about Venezuela’s future have continued within the society.
ARCHBISHOP JESÚS GONZÁLEZ DE ZÁRATE
President, Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference
The events of January 3 of this year have profoundly changed the political and social landscape. Although they have been interpreted as a violation of international law, many believe they open paths toward achieving democracy in the country.
The Conference referenced Venezuela's variety of problems, from being scarred by poverty through the decades to perpetually facing turbulent political crises.
ARZ. JESÚS GONZÁLEZ DE ZÁRATE
President, Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference
In recent years, the lives of Venezuelans have been marked by widespread poverty; the lack of opportunities for fairly paid work; generalized and unpunished corruption; and violations of human and civil rights, including freedom of expression and the right to due process and defense.
Added to this is the dire situation related to political prisoners. According to various NGOs, although many still remain in prison, around 300 people have already been released.
ARCHBISHOP JESÚS GONZÁLEZ DE ZÁRATE
President, Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference
Today, we once again wish to express our closeness and solidarity, as we have done on other occasions, with political prisoners and their families.
What the bishops had previously spoken about was the elections. From the very beginning, they called for the will of the people to be respected, and they now reiterate this once again.
ARCHBISHOP JESÚS GONZÁLEZ DE ZÁRATE
President, Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference
Popular sovereignty, expressed through universal, direct, and secret suffrage, was disregarded when the detailed publication of the results of the presidential elections of July 28, 2024, was omitted by the bodies of the State.
In recent months, Pope Leo XIV has not forgotten Venezuela either, continually expressing his closeness and encouraging dialogue and peace in his public appearances.
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