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 Jan 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.” – Vatican News
