Journalist Day in Venezuela: Bishops thank for their work

When the journalist’s day in Venezuela is held, the bishops have wanted to send A message of recognition and gratitude To the communicators of the country, who daily face the persecution of the dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro, putting their freedom and even life at risk.

Mons. Luis Enrique Rojas, Bishop of Punto Fijo and president of the Episcopal Commission of the communications of the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference (CEV), recalled – through a statement this June 27 – the words of Jesus in the Gospel of St. Matthew, where he says to his disciples they are “the light of the world.”

“These words resonate with special force in the task that each of you plays,” the bishop wrote.

“Through each news, each publication, each image and each digital interaction, have

also the opportunity to make the light of Christ shine, showing the world good

works of our Church and the greatness of the Gospel, ”he added.

According to him Press and Society Institute (IPYS), arbitrary arrests have become one of the most alarming forms of repression and harassment against journalism in Venezuela.

“Between 2024 and what goes from 2025, at least six journalists have been deprived of liberty in a way in the framework of their informative work, mainly while making coverage of public interest or in contexts of social and political conflict,” says the agency.

In addition, until this June 27 At least 16 journalists They remain imprisoned in the country. The case of Nakary Mena Ramos and her husband Gianni González stands out, who were arrested by the Political Police while recording a report in Caracas last April.

Venezuelan justice, controlled by the Government, accuses them of the alleged crimes of “instigation to hatred and dissemination of false news”, for publishing a report on the alleged increase in robberies in the Venezuelan capital. The couple has a five -year -old daughter.

Mons. Rojas asks Venezuelan communicators to understand the importance of the media at their disposal to “disseminate the message of salvation” and “reach the hearts of many”, to demonstrate that this trade – all oriented to God – “is a powerful tool for evangelization in all its context.”

The Episcopate remarked that in the midst of modern times, journalists “are called to be true digital missionaries. It is not just about informing, but to form, inspire, transmit and connect.”

In addition, the bishop of Punto Fijo encouraged communicators to deepen their life of faith and their academic training, to continue “being a voice for those who do not have it.” Mons. Rojas also reminded journalists who live difficult moments “for having wanted at some point in their lives to be defenders of human rights and are unjustly punished or persecuted.”

“United also in memory and memory for those who gave their lives fulfilling their mission and who are no longer among us because they left for the definitive encounter with God,” said the prelate, also putting the work of the communicators in the hands of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady of Coromoto, Patron of Venezuela.