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Santiago (Agenzia Fides) – The Permanent Committee of the Chilean Episcopal Conference joins in the words of Pope Leo XIV and the Venezuelan bishops, inviting parishes to pray especially for the Venezuelan people and those who have emigrated to Chile.
In a message published on January 5, the Chilean bishops, in light of the situation in the South American country, call for prayers for peace in Venezuela. The document follows recent events that have caused international concern (see Fides, 3/1/2026) and prompted statements from the Holy Father and the Venezuelan bishops.
In the statement, the Chilean bishops affirm that they welcome and share the words of Pope Leo XIV, who, during the Angelus prayer on Sunday, January 4, expressed his “deep concern about the developments in Venezuela.” Echoing the Pope’s desire for the well-being of the people, the bishops of the Church in Chile quoted his invitation to “entrust our prayers to the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto and Saints José Gregorio Hernández and Carmen Rendiles.” Likewise, the Permanent Committee, represented by, among others, its President, Archbishop René Rebolledo Salinas of La Serena, its Vice-President, Archbishop Ignacio Ducasse Medina of Antofagasta, and the Archbishop of Santiago, Fernando Chomali Garib, expressed its solidarity with the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference and endorsed its call for “serenity, wisdom, and strength” for the people. The prelates call for prayer in parishes and fraternal welcome, appealing in particular to all communities, chapels, and apostolic movements in the country to dedicate their prayers to peace in Venezuela during Holy Masses these days and on other occasions. The bishops also extend their appeal to the Venezuelan community living in Chile, many of whom actively participate in the life of the local Church, offering "an outstretched hand for encounter and consolation," hoping that "common prayer will strengthen the community and urge us toward fraternity and solidarity with those who today strive for a better future for their beloved country." (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 7/1/2026)
