Caracas: The Catholic Church in Venezuela has called for the restoration of democracy, respect for popular sovereignty and urgent action to address the country’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
In a pastoral exhortation issued at the end of their 125th Ordinary Plenary Assembly, the Venezuelan bishops appealed to the nation to choose reconciliation, justice and peace at a time of deep political and social uncertainty.
Drawing inspiration from the Book of Isaiah, the bishops said their message is rooted in hope, even as they acknowledged that the events of January 3 this year have profoundly altered Venezuela’s political and social landscape. They encouraged the faithful to trust in God’s presence during difficult times, recalling the Gospel image of Christ calming the storm.
The bishops also reflected on the words of Pope Leo XIV after his Angelus prayer on January 4, stressing that the good of the Venezuelan people must come before all other interests. They echoed his appeal to overcome violence, pursue justice and peace, and safeguard the country’s sovereignty.
According to the bishops, Venezuela continues to face serious challenges, including lack of fairly paid work, widespread corruption and repeated violations of human and civil rights. They highlighted restrictions on freedom of expression, due process and democratic participation as major concerns affecting everyday life.
The message underlined that protecting sovereignty and democracy requires rebuilding national institutions, restoring the independence of public powers and ensuring credible judicial and electoral bodies capable of guaranteeing free and fair elections.
The bishops also noted that the will of the people was disregarded when detailed results of the presidential election held on July 28, 2024 were not made public. While acknowledging that the events of January 3 have been widely criticised internationally, they said many citizens view them as a possible opening toward democratic change.
Expressing solidarity with the suffering population, the bishops said they share in the pain of political prisoners and their families, migrants forced to leave the country, the sick without access to medicines, young people deprived of opportunities, and indigenous communities facing deep marginalisation. They also prayed for all those who have lost their lives due to violence.
The Church renewed its commitment to promoting the common good, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable, and urged all sectors of society to place the nation’s welfare above personal, ideological or partisan interests.
Calling for peace and freedom, the bishops urged Venezuelans to reject violence, hatred and revenge. They encouraged dialogue, forgiveness and reconciliation based on truth, justice and respect for human dignity.
On human rights, the bishops called for the repeal of laws that restrict fundamental freedoms, particularly those related to expression, voting and civil organisations. While welcoming the release of some political detainees, they renewed their appeal for the full release of all political prisoners and supported the approval of a broad and inclusive amnesty law.
Looking ahead, the bishops called for a future built on freedom and justice, with strong families and active participation from all sectors of society. They stressed the need to fight poverty and urged that oil revenues be used transparently to improve wages and social programmes, without political favouritism.
The message concluded with an invitation to prayer and spiritual renewal as a source of strength and unity, and an appeal to all Venezuelans to act with courage and responsibility in building a future marked by freedom, justice and peace.