Catholic Church Leaders Demand Transparency in Venezuelan Election

In response to the disputed July 28 presidential election in Venezuela, Pope Francis has called for all parties to “seek the truth” and “avoid any kind of violence.”

During his Angelus address on August 4, Francis urged both sides to settle disputes through dialogue, emphasizing the need to prioritize the people’s welfare over partisan interests.

Two senior Venezuelan clergy members, Cardinals Baltazar Porras and Diego Padrón, have issued a strong statement criticizing the government for not releasing complete election results. The cardinals accused the Maduro regime of fabricating election tallies to favor the ruling party and emphasized that the Church “cannot be neutral” in the face of such injustices.

Cardinal Porras and Cardinal Padrón also highlighted the regime’s violent repression of public demonstrations, noting that “the government has widened the abyss in front of it” by treating opponents as enemies. The statement condemned the government’s narrative that blames the opposition for violence originating from state repression.

The cardinals’ letter, addressed to their fellow bishops, called for “civic disobedience and resistance” against the regime’s actions, urging the Church to stand with the people in solidarity.

Pray for peace in Venezuela!

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