Venezuela

Pope Francis told reporters he is more afraid of the consequences of not engaging in interreligious dialogue than he is of being manipulated by some Muslim leaders.

Pope Francis prayed that a peaceful solution may be found in Venezuela as uncertainty and political instability grip the country.

In Latin America, evangelical churches have been gaining popularity for decades and with growing numbers, evangelicals have increased their political influence, securing key mayorships and, in some countries, setting their eye on the presidency.

Throughout Venezuela there is an evil haunting all families these days: hunger.

At the Church of St. Peter Claver, a saint venerated throughout the Americas as a champion of human rights, Pope Francis offered special prayers for Venezuela and its people suffering in the midst of a huge political and economic crisis.

The St. Cloud Mission Office has experienced difficulty in communicating with our sister Diocese of Maracay, Venezuela, as the country’s political turmoil has worsened.

Many of the missioners — whether short-term or long-term — are willing and able to continue to minister to, and with, the Hispanic/Latino communities in the St. Cloud Diocese by celebrating Masses, performing the sacraments and providing pastoral ministry.

Amid political turmoil in Venezuela, Father Ben Kociemba, associate director of vocations for the Diocese of St. Cloud, traveled to the country to visit a priest friend he met while studying in seminary.