Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cancun (Agenzia Fides) – To allow food and medicine to enter, define the date of the elections and free political prisoners: these are the three priorities that Pope Francis and the Holy See have asked in the face of the dramatic situation in Venezuela. Mgr. Bernardito Auza pointed this out through his Permanent Observer at the 47th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), in the meeting held in Cancun, Mexico, from 19 to 21 June 2017.
The Holy See reiterates its position on the serious situation of Venezuela. Since the beginning of the crisis, Mgr. Auza, the Pope, the Vatican Secretary of State and the Venezuelan Bishops' Conference have repeatedly asked institutions and the political forces to overcome their ideological interests and to listen to the voice of the people. The Holy See has always urged all political leaders to commit themselves to putting an end to violence.
The government's recent decision to convene a Constituent Assembly, says Mgr. Auza, can complicate the situation and jeopardize the country's democratic future. It is appreciated, however, that a group of Countries in the region or maybe other Continents chosen by both the government and the opposition can accompany the negotiation as guarantors, concluded the Vatican observer.
Since the beginning of April, there have been at least 75 victims following the clashes between demonstrators and police forces and violence does not stop. (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 22/06/2017)
