Venezuela continues to face uncertainty more than a week after the recent presidential election. The nation remains gripped by tension, as citizens continue to protest and demand transparency. Election authorities have not yet released detailed results, and Maduro’s government has escalated repression, with more than 2,000 people arbitrarily detained or disappeared and 20 dead in less than 10 days.
The vice president of the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Mario Moronta Rodríguez, has become a prominent voice calling for peace and urging authorities to respect the will of the people. In an interview with Vatican News, Bishop Moronta expressed deep concern about the current situation and stressed the need for conscience, intelligence, and service to prevail.
Speaking from San Cristóbal, where he serves as bishop, Moronta reflected on the turbulent days following the election. “We still see a lot of uncertainty,” he said, noting that while the national government has recognized the official results, most Venezuelans remain skeptical and restless. Protests, some peaceful and others violent, have broken out across the country, resulting in civilian and police casualties. Bishop Moronta emphasized the role of the Church in standing with the people at this critical time.
“The Church, not only through the bishops, but also through priests, deacons and lay pastoral workers, has increased its presence and closeness to the people,” he said. “We share the suffering and the hope of our people.”
Bishop Moronta also expressed gratitude for Pope Francis’ recent appeal during the Angelus address, in which the Pope urged political leaders to put the common good above partisan interests. That message, the bishop said, resonated deeply with the Venezuelan people, giving them comfort and hope. “The people received this message with gratitude,” he noted, adding that it reaffirmed the Church’s call for constructive dialogue and a peaceful solution to the crisis.
Commenting on the possible consequences if the electoral dispute remains unresolved, Bishop Moronta warned of the dangers of escalating violence.
“The worst-case scenario, which we are working to avoid, would be one in which the violence escalates into a social explosion.” He also expressed concern about the possibility of increased migration should the situation continue to deteriorate. According to UNHCR, more than 7.7 million Venezuelans have emigrated in recent years.
Moronta reiterated the Church’s commitment to peace and dialogue. He called on those in power to listen to the cries of the people and to seek a solution that benefits the entire nation rather than a select few. As the country awaits clarity, the bishop’s plea is clear: Let the will of the Venezuelan people be heard and respected.
And today we celebrate...