Parishioners and priests call for peace and hope after events in Venezuela

Santo Domingo. – Parishioners of the Catholic Church and representatives of the clergy consulted this Sunday expressed divided opinions, but marked by hope, in the face of the alleged US military intervention in Venezuela and the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro along with his wife, a fact that has generated wide debate in the international community. During a tour of the Church of Las Mercedes, some believers stated that the situation in Venezuela, although complex, represents for many a "light at the end of the tunnel", after years of political, social and migratory crisis. Carlos Abreu, Catholic Priest, pointed out that a part of the community sees these events as an opportunity for the Venezuelan people to regain their dignity and move towards democratic solutions. "This town has been offended in its dignity, so much so that many have had to go out to seek freedoms they did not have in their own country. Today a door of hope and freedom opens," he expressed.

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Abreu acknowledged that there is a clear international division regarding these events, but maintained that sectors of the international community have supported actions that they consider aimed at ending a regime that, in his opinion, has violated fundamental rights. He added that, from the Christian faith, the moment should be taken as a call to prayer for peace, justice and the unity of the Venezuelan people, entrusting them to the Virgin of Coromoto. For his part, Father Frankelys, rector of the Church of Las Mercedes, emphasized that the Church maintains a position of prudence and dialogue in the face of events. He indicated that, although the countries are divided in their positions, the essential thing is the well-being of the Venezuelan people. "What remains for us as a Church is to pray for this people, so that families can reunite, so that there is stability and so that dialogue prevails," he affirmed. The priest also recalled Pope Francis' message on the occasion of World Peace Day, reiterating the call for a world without weapons, without violence and without war. "The Church is calling for dialogue and peace, beyond any political interest," he maintained. In the same vein, parishioner Virginia Zarzuela considered that any international action can only be seen positively if it leads to peace and tranquility for the Venezuelan people. "If it's to restore calm and stability to that people who have lived in turmoil, then let it be for good, always trusting in God," she expressed. From the Franciscan community, Brother Roberto Delgado highlighted that the mission of the Church is to promote peace above all else and called on the Venezuelan community to remain firm in faith and hope.
"The night is never so dark as when it is about to dawn. After the storm comes calm," he said, sending a message of serenity and confidence. The opinions reflect the feelings of a part of the Catholic community, which observes the events in Venezuela with expectation and caution, while raising prayers so that any outcome translates into peace, justice, and reconciliation for the Venezuelan people.