Venezuelan Church Speaks of Uncertainty After Sudden Political Upheaval
Catholic leaders in Venezuela say the country is living through a moment of fragile uncertainty following the sudden military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife earlier this month. According to Archbishop Jesús González de Zárate, president of the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference, the days since January 3 have been marked by anxiety, confusion, and rapidly shifting interpretations of events. He said understanding what has unfolded remains difficult, as new information continues to emerge and political dynamics are still taking shape. Early reactions changed within hours on the day of the operation, particularly after statements from Washington raised fresh questions about sovereignty, governance, and the country’s immediate future.
The archbishop described the atmosphere across the country as a tense calm, noting that uncertainty has weighed heavily on daily life. In the hours following the intervention, many citizens rushed to secure basic supplies, reflecting fears of instability or shortages. Since then, some normal rhythms have slowly resumed, with traffic returning and workplaces reopening, though apprehension remains widespread. Within the Catholic community, the same mixture of concern and restraint prevails. Church leaders have urged prudence and patience, warning against premature conclusions while the political situation continues to evolve and institutions adjust to a new and unclear reality.
In the immediate aftermath of the events, the bishops issued a public message expressing solidarity with the Venezuelan people. Their prayers, González said, have focused especially on those injured and on families who lost loved ones during the violence surrounding the operation. He emphasized that faith remains a central source of strength for many Venezuelans during this period, offering reasons for hope even amid fear and confusion. The Church, he explained, is seeking to accompany the population spiritually rather than intensify political polarization, grounding its response in prayer and in the social teaching that emphasizes human dignity, peace, and the common good.
Beyond the internal situation, González highlighted concern for the millions of Venezuelans who have left the country in recent years. With nearly eight million citizens living abroad, the bishops are increasingly worried about how new regional and international policies may affect migrants and refugees. He noted that the Church has repeatedly spoken out on behalf of those forced to leave in search of protection and opportunity, and that recent developments risk deepening their vulnerability. For now, González said, the bishops will continue to observe events closely and refrain from definitive political judgments until a clearer picture emerges, while aligning themselves with Pope Leo XIV’s call to safeguard national sovereignty and protect the rights and dignity of the Venezuelan people.
