The Archbishop of Bogotá (Colombia), Cardinal Luis José Rueda Aparicio, expressed his desire that Venezuela “find a way out” of the crisis, joining the words that Pope Francis spoke this morning in his speech to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Vatican .
This January 9, the Holy Father referred to the “serious political crisis in which Venezuela is struggling” and stated that it “can only be overcome with sincere adherence to the values of truth, justice and freedom.” , through respect for the life, dignity and rights of each person, including those of those who have been arrested due to the events of recent months.”
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In an audio broadcast by the Episcopal Conference of Colombia, Cardinal Rueda said that Pope Francis’ message “is very important for Venezuela.”
“It is a voice of encouragement that comes very timely for what is going to happen next Friday the 10th, when the inauguration of the President of the Republic is scheduled. I hope Venezuela, guided by the Holy Spirit, finds a way out,” he said.
Colombia is the country with the largest number of Venezuelan migrants worldwide.
According to the International Organization for Migration, of the 7.7 million Venezuelan migrants and refugees, 2.8 million They are in Colombia. Of these, 589 thousand are in Bogotá.
In the audio, Cardinal Rueda said that the Pope’s message is also very important for Colombians, because “it encourages us and commits us to the mission of working for reconciliation and peace.” “The episcopal conference, the Colombian Church, the entire Church, is willing to mediate. “You may not see the results immediately,” he added.
The archbishop explained that “they are jobs that require historical patience, active patience and the courage necessary to meet those who think differently.” May the Lord continue to guide Colombia with his Holy Spirit and that, as the Holy Father says, with the help of all we can find paths of reconciliation and peace,” he expressed.
Eduardo Berdejo
Professional in Social Communication from the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Peru, I have more than 20 years of experience in Catholic digital journalism. As part of ACI Prensa I have been sent to cover Pope Francis’ trips to Cuba, Mexico, Colombia and Peru, in addition to the Synodality Synod in the Vatican in 2023.