Salvatore Cernuzio – Vatican City
The Pope’s appeals for Venezuela
Pope Leo XIV, who, during the Angelus prayer on January 4, declared that he was following the developments in Venezuela with a “heart full of concern.”
“The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over all other considerations and lead to overcoming violence and choosing the path of justice and peace, guaranteeing the country’s sovereignty,” the Pope said from the window of the Apostolic Palace, asking for respect for “the human rights and civil rights of each and all,” and for work towards “jointly building a peaceful future based on cooperation, stability, and harmony, with particular attention to the poorest, who suffer from the difficult economic situation.”
These appeals were reiterated during an audience for members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, held on January 9. The Pope – referring to the situation in Venezuela – recalled the life testimony of two Venezuelans he canonized – Saints José Gregorio Hernández and Sister Carmen Rendiles. “May their testimony inspire the building of a society based on justice, truth, freedom, and fraternity, and thus allow the nation to rise from the deep crisis that has affected it for so many years,” he indicated.
Pope Leo XIV renewed his appeal “for respect for the will of the Venezuelan people and for the protection of the human rights and civil rights of all persons, ensuring a stable and harmonious future.”
