Clergy in Venezuela and Peru address political and religious developments

In Venezuela, Cardinals Baltazar Porras, Diego Padrón, and Monsignor Ramón Ovidio Pérez Morales have expressed their views on the ongoing dialogue between the government and representatives of the 2015 National Assembly. While noting their statements are made as an expression of civic conscience rather than official church policy, the clerics highlighted concerns regarding the peculiar conditions of these talks, including the absence of major legitimate opposition representation and a lack of recognized technical facilitators.

The clergy emphasized that for any process to be effective, it must include the immediate release of political prisoners, an end to communication hegemony, and the organization of prompt presidential elections to legitimize public powers. They also called for the gradual inclusion of diverse civil society groups, such as universities and churches, to create a unified national project.

In Peru, President Keiko Fujimori announced that the government is preparing for the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV, scheduled from November 11 to 17. The President stated that the pontiff’s visit could foster national unity. The itinerary includes stops in Lima, Chiclayo, Cusco, and Pucallpa, with Foreign Minister Carlos Espá coordinating the official preparations.