ACN joins the call of the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference, supports the message of the Church and invites prayer and dialogue in the midst of the political and social crisis.
The International Pontifical Foundation ACN echoes the recent message of the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference, which calls for prayer and respect for the will of the people, following the election results of July 28. The Church denounces the acts of violence in the demonstrations, and advocates for dialogue and peace in the country.
Message of the bishops in view of the recent events
The announcement by the National Electoral Council (CNE) of the results of the presidential election of July 28 has generated great concern in broad sectors of the population.
- For this reason, we reiterate our call to make the popular will expressed at the ballot box shine through. This is not only a requirement of Venezuelan law, but also an ethical one. Only in this way will the truth of the facts prevail over any possible manipulation of the facts, and peace and trust will reign in all Venezuelans.
- The concern and uneasiness generated in the citizenship has been expressed, among other things, in the various demonstrations that, in the exercise of the citizens’ rights contemplated in the Constitution (cf. Art. 68) and in the laws of the Republic, have been carried out throughout the length and breadth of the national territory, with the numerous participation of the citizens of Venezuela.
- Unfortunately, some of these demonstrations have been overshadowed by violent events that have caused the death of some people, numerous injuries and arrests, and the destruction of property.
- We also resolutely affirm that the life and dignity of every person must be respected and safeguarded. Therefore, we condemn all manifestations of violence, wherever it may come from. We regret the deaths and injuries that have occurred both among demonstrators and members of the security forces. We sympathize with their families and loved ones. We ask the organs of the State, especially the police and military forces, to fulfill their mission of guaranteeing public order, in accordance with the law, avoiding any possible abuse (cf. Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Art. 328, 329 and 332).
- We call on all political actors to abandon the language of disqualification and confrontation that has caused so much damage to our country. We invite them, for the good of all the people of Venezuela, to seek paths of political dialogue and citizen encounter. Venezuela needs the help of all its children.
We invite everyone to pray insistently to the Lord, and to place in his loving hands the destinies of our country.