Amid a context of deep social and political uncertainty in Venezuela, marked by recent events that have captured international attention, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) reaffirms its commitment to the local Church and to the people of Venezuela, supporting them through prayer, solidarity, and concrete assistance.
Venezuela continues to face complex challenges after years of economic, social, and humanitarian crisis, leaving many people struggling to meet basic needs and prompting persistent calls for peace, dialogue, and national reconciliation.
In recent days, political developments have generated renewed tensions, causing fear and uncertainty among many, while also prompting calls for serenity, dialogue, and responsibility across all sectors of society. In this context, the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference (CEV) has urged the faithful to maintain calm and to pray for peace and unity in the country, rejecting all forms of violence and encouraging decisions that serve the common good.
The Venezuelan Church has been a central source of hope for many, offering spiritual nourishment, pastoral accompaniment, and social support where it is most needed.
ACN has remained close to the Church in Venezuela from the very beginning, offering both spiritual and material support. This support enables priests, religious, and pastoral workers to continue their mission despite limited resources and ongoing difficulties, including through Mass stipends and material aid that help sustain the Church’s sacramental life and pastoral presence throughout the country.
One of ACN’s most significant projects in recent years has been the diocesan shrine in Ciudad Chávez, dedicated to José Gregorio Hernández, the first Venezuelan saint, canonized very recently by Pope Leo last October in Rome. This shrine honours his legacy and stands as a place of prayer where the faithful are invited to seek strength and hope in Christ amid adversity.
In these times of hardship, ACN calls on the global Catholic community to continue praying for Venezuela — for peace, for unity, and for healing — entrusting the country to God’s providence and seeking the intercession of Saint José Gregorio, the “doctor of the poor,” a beloved nation figure known for his compassion and service to the most needed. We particularly entrust to his intercession the intentions for peace for all Venezuelans.
