Bishops from across Latin America have condemned the ongoing violence in Venezuela and called for the Church to find ways to provide charity to the South American country.
Food shortages have left thousands hungry and weeks of large-scale street demonstrations have led to violent clashes with police, leaving nearly 40 people dead.
Auxiliary Bishop Juan Espinoza Jiménez of Morelia, Mexico, secretary general of the Latin America bishops’ council CELAM, said: “We are worried and pained by the deaths, the violence, the lack of the most basic goods, the divisions, the violation of human rights.”
Bishop Espinoza spoke during CELAM’s assembly in San Salvador, which brought together representatives from 21 Latin American countries. The meeting dedicated special attention to Venezuela.
The conference appointed a commission to study the crisis and make recommendations.
It will be led by Archbishop Diego Padrón Sánchez of Cumana, Venezuela, president of the bishops’ conference.
“The bishops, presidents and delegates of the episcopal conferences of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean have placed our minds and hearts with our brothers and sisters in Venezuela,” the bishops said in a letter that was read out at the meeting.
The bishops said they wanted “to express to all citizens, and especially those in the Catholic Church, our closeness, solidarity and support, at the same time that we transmit a voice of hope in Christ, way, truth and life.”
Venezuela has been gripped by a deep political crisis since President Nicolás Maduro moved to expand his power, including taking over the
functions of the opposition-controlled Congress.
Bishop Espinoza urged the Church to respond to the crisis by providing supplies and for Catholics to “pray for this brother and sister country”.
Pence makes pledge to Christians
US Vice President Mike Pence told Christian leaders, “We’re with you, we stand with you,” at a summit to address the plight of persecuted Christians last week.
Mr Pence addressed delegates at the inaugural World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians in Washington.
“On behalf of the President of the United States, I say from my heart, we’re with you, we stand with you,” he said.
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