The canonization of the first Venezuelan saints, José Gregorio Hernández and Carmen Rendiles, has rekindled the debate about the political crisis in Venezuela. During the Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, Cardinal Pietro Parolin highlighted the opportunity this event represents for the country, calling for the release of more than 800 political prisoners and a move toward justice and peace. Parolin urged Venezuela not to waste this kairos in order to open the way to a more just and free future, echoing religious teachings.
Meanwhile, Nicolás Maduro's government organized activities in Caracas on the occasion of the canonization, although the anticipated releases of political prisoners did not materialize. Activists continued to demand a "canonization without political prisoners," highlighting the critical health condition of some detainees. In Rome, Sairam Rivas delivered a letter to Pope Leo XIV requesting his mediation in the Venezuelan crisis. The Venezuelan religious authorities seized the opportunity to condemn the situation they described as morally unacceptable, which prompted a response from Maduro, accusing Cardinal Porras of conspiring against the canonization.
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