Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Agenzia Fides) – The Priestly Council of the Archdiocese of Caracas has issued a statement entitled “Blessed are the peacemakers,” expressing their solidarity and communion with their Archbishop, Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino and the Apostolic Nuncio of Venezuela, Archbishop Giacinto Berloco, in light of the attack incurred on the Apostolic Nunciature several days ago and the general climate of conflict, violence, and disrespect that is characterizing the nation.
In their statement, the priests of the diocese affirm that “as Catholic men and women, we are called to work for the priceless gift of true peace and not to accept a culture of violence and death that is expressed in confrontations between brothers, disrespect, offenses on account of differing beliefs, and ideologically-charged persecutions.” They also recall that “the unity that exists and that should always exist in the Catholic Church is founded on the will of Our Lord Jesus Christ, her Divine Founder.” Thus, the priests show their fidelity to the Pope, Successor of Peter and Vicar of Christ on earth, and with all the Bishops, legitimate successors of the Apostles, as well as with all the Christian faithful.
They express their unity with Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino, Archbishop of Caracas, “who in his vocation as Archdiocesan Pastor and in the declarations to the nation, has always sought to be an instrument of unity, without renouncing to his right and duty to – with the Gospel – enlighten the situations related to the common good of all Caracas' people.”
In the same manner, they show their fidelity to the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Giacinto Berloco, “who carries out the role of the Pope's representative in Venezuela with great prudence and ecclesial spirit, acting always as a builder of peace and manifesting the closeness of the Holy Father to all Venezuelans.”
“We are a living and united Church and we will never renounce our vocation to preach the Gospel and work for the good of our people,” the statement concludes.
Cardinal Urosa has made declarations to “Unionradio” saying that “one can propose, defend an idea without being disrespectful to others or making them appear as if they were enemies of our homeland.” He also made an appeal, saying that the Church “does not enter into party issues, but it defends the right of all Venezuelans to live in peace. This is the great vision we have in terms of a social perspective.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 27/1/2009)
