Venezuela's Bishops Call for Unity After Maduro Arrest

Venezuela's Catholic bishops are stepping forward with a message of hope after the January arrest of Nicolás Maduro, asking all Venezuelans to work together toward peace and healing. Their pastoral letter, published after a plenary assembly, outlines a bold vision for national reconciliation.

The bishops begin by acknowledging the pain of millions of Venezuelans. They name the political prisoners and their families, the people forced to leave the country, those trapped by human trafficking, elderly citizens left alone, and young people whose dreams have been cut short.

Their plan for moving forward rests on three key pillars. First, they ask for guarantees of national sovereignty after years of what they call "undue interference by external factors." Second, they demand the immediate release of all political prisoners and those held for unjust reasons.

Third, they propose using revenues from the reactivated oil industry to improve salaries and create social programs that ensure dignified work and pay. The bishops believe this could lift the majority of Venezuelans who currently struggle in poverty.

The church leaders support a potential amnesty law, but only if it includes input from all sectors of civil society. They see it as a crucial step toward rebuilding democratic life in the country.

The bishops call for repealing laws that restrict fundamental freedoms like free speech, voting rights, and the work of civil organizations. They emphasize that reconciliation doesn't mean forgetting the past, but remembering it while making reparations and rebuilding relationships.

The Ripple Effect

The bishops' call for unity extends beyond politics. They promise that all Church institutions will become "places of encounter, listening, and accompaniment" where Venezuelans can experience real signs of brotherhood and reconciliation.

The Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need has supported Venezuelan church institutions for over a decade, helping priests and religious workers continue their missions despite limited resources. This support has provided both spiritual and material help during the country's most difficult years.

The bishops ask every Venezuelan to place the common good above personal, ideological, or political interests. Their vision requires "processes of reunion, mutual recognition, forgiveness, and reconciliation" built on truth, justice, and respect for human dignity.

They conclude by asking the Blessed Virgin Mary of Coromoto to help every Venezuelan assume their responsibilities courageously so the country can progress through "paths of liberty, justice, and peace."