Venezuela: Church Cautious Amid Urban Riots

"As pastors of the People of God, we are following closely the development of recent events and we want to express to everyone our closeness and willingness to provide pastoral support in these times of concern”: the communiqué of the Episcopal Conference of Venezuela the day after the contested reelection of the strongman of the country summarizes the delicate situation in which the Church finds herself in this country which is more than 90% Catholic.

If the Venezuelan prelates intend to show their closeness toward the families grieving during recent urban riots that have bloodied Caracas, there is no question of risking a direct confrontation with the Chavista regime of Nicolás Maduro: it would be pointless to risk a scenario like that of Nicaragua, in which Catholics would have everything to lose.

Thus, if the episcopal conference is pleased by the “massive, active, and civic participation of all Venezuelans in the electoral process” in the elections of July 28, 2024, it nevertheless calls for “a process of verification of the ballot results, in which all the involved political actors participate actively and fully,” as Vatican News reports.

“Let us stand firm in hope,” urge the bishops, who are determined to firmly condemn all violence, wherever it comes from: “Our thoughts and just claims must be made with the peaceful attitudes of respect and tolerance that have reigned up to now,” they warn the protestors.

Fides reports: “However, the violence seems to have no end: 187 protests have been recorded in twenty of the twenty-three states since the elections.”

The Vatican “believes that the expression of different positions and grievances should be conducted ‘with the peaceful attitudes, respect, and tolerance that have prevailed thus far,” stated Msgr. Juan Antonio Cruz Serrano, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the Organization of American States (OAS), quoted by Vatican News.

Msgr. Cruz Serrano spoke at an extraordinary session of the OAS Permanent Council, which was held in Washington DC on Wednesday, July 31. Vatican News states: “At the meeting, OAS member states failed to pass a resolution calling for the Venezuelan government to be transparent with the election results.

“The resolution required 18 votes to pass, but only 17 states voted in favour and 11 others abstained. Msgr. Cruz said the Holy See’s delegation to the OAS ‘acknowledges the non-adoption of the proposed Resolution’.” A prudent reaction that shows that the Vatican is determined to continue its policy of “positive neutrality” toward the Nicolás Maduro regime.

It is a policy which is bearing fruit, since three episcopal seats were finally filled on June 28 after long periods of vacancy: decisions made in consultation with the President of the Republic, as stipulated by the concordat that regulates relations between this South American country and the Holy See.