Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Agenzia Fides) - The President of the Episcopal Conference of Venezuela published a statement asking for, “calm, sanity, and respect for constitutional freedoms and rights, and for an upholding of a democratic climate,” as worries increase following another attack on the Apostolic Nunciature in Venezuela and resurgence of political violence in various regions of the country.
Addressing the authorities in question, the Bishops ask that they, “take effective action in the corresponding investigations, in order to stop those guilty of the violence.” They ask that the national government, “take measures to protect the diplomatic seat of The Vatican, that is also for all Venezuelan Catholics, the house of the Holy Father in Venezuela.” While reaffirming their support for the Apostolic Nuncio, Bishop Giacinto Berloco, the Bishops also assure the fact that they will be praying, “for his intentions, as well as for the successful unfolding of his diplomatic and pastoral work.”
The National Council for the Laity of the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference, also has issued a statement expressing their firm rejection and sorrow at the news of the attack on the Apostolic Nunciature in Venezuela. The attack occurred when an explosive was placed near the house, causing severe damage to the house and placing at risk the human lives inside. “We are alarmed by this act of extreme violence by the aggressors, whose intentions we are unsure of, and that is encouraged by authorities’ lack of attention in placing protection on a diplomatic headquarters that, in a short period of time, has been repeatedly assaulted,” the statement said. Moreover, for Catholics, it is even more serious of an offence, as “it is not only an assault on an Embassy, but, above all, an assault on the very person of the Holy Father and on Catholicism, and in particular, on the Papal Representative in Venezuela.”
The Bishops also made an appeal to the country’s authorities, asking that “they assume their responsibilities in providing proper protection for Diplomatic Headquarters.” And to all the faithful, they ask that they live these events with a Christian spirit, being open to forgiving and always looking for the reconciliation of all Venezuelans. In addition, they encourage the Venezuelan people to show their support in light of these events: first of all, through their prayer, “to ask God for the gift of peace and fraternal co-existence,” and also, through their participation in an act of reparation that will take Wednesday, February 20th, at 5:30pm in Good Shepherd Parish (Caracas), with the invitation to do the same in all the parishes throughout the country. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 18/2/2008; righe 34, parole 426)
