In a video message released by the Vatican April 29, the pope said Hernández’s beatification “is a special blessing of God for Venezuela” and an example for Venezuelans to follow as they work toward reviving the country “with a spirit of reconciliation.”
The United Nations says about 4.5 million people have left Venezuela since 2015 to escape hyperinflation, high crime levels, food shortages and salaries that are lower than $10 per month.
Praying that Catholics would understand and act on “the inseparable bond” between love of God and love of neighbor, Pope Francis again appealed for a solution to the crisis in Venezuela.
For more than 50 years, the people of two dioceses have lovingly labored to foster friendship and solidarity.
As political unrest increases in Venezuela, hundreds of soldiers and police officers are deserting and seeking shelter in neighboring Colombia.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro closed the border between the two countries Feb. 21.
The debate over aid to Venezuela was reignited in February as the Venezuelan opposition and the U.S. government partnered to deliver help to the South American nation and stored several tons of nonperishable food and medicine in a Colombian warehouse across the border from Venezuela.
Although it has publicly taken a neutral stance in the current political crisis in Venezuela, the Vatican has expressed its support for new elections in the country within the year, said a member of a delegation representing opposition leader Juan Guaido.
