Summary
In January, the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference held its first meeting since President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were taken to New York for trial. The bishops’ document released after this assembly did not fully address radical proposals against Chavismo nor criticize U.S. intervention in Venezuela’s sovereignty. The document highlights social issues such as widespread poverty, corruption, lack of job opportunities, and human rights violations. It also emphasizes the need for democratic reforms including a credible Supreme Court, National Electoral Council, and State control over territory. Pope Francis expressed solidarity with political prisoners and called for a broad amnesty law that includes consultation from all sectors of society. The bishops condemned the seizure by U.S. forces on January 3 as potentially paving way to democratization but emphasized that all Venezuelans must participate in this process, regardless of their ideology or affiliation.
Key Topics
Venezuela, Trump, CEV
