Venezuelan bishops warn Chavez is jeopardizing democratic society

Rome, Italy, Jun 9, 2009 / 12:11 pm

The president of the Bishops’ Conference of Venezuela, Archbishop Ubaldo Santana, said the political agenda of President Hugo Chavez has provoked “a growing political polarization, increased violence, insecurity and hatred, and seriously jeopardized a peaceful democratic society.”

The archbishop made his statements during the Venezuelan bishops’ ad limina visit to Rome.

According to the press, Archbishop Santana said, “As [it] is known, in Venezuela a new political agenda was imposed a decade ago that is called the Socialism of the 21st century. It is revolutionary by nature and has introduced profound modifications at all levels of life in the country, funded by oil revenues.”

This agenda has caused “growing economic, social and cultural polarization” in the country and has provoked “a growing political polarization, increased violence, insecurity and hatred, and seriously jeopardized a peaceful democratic society,” the archbishop warned.

He recalled that the bishops’ conference has issued various statements calling for peace and reconciliation in response to the “many misunderstandings and attacks” by the government.

“We have reminded both leaders and citizens so much of the fundamental principles of the Church’s Social Doctrine. We have defended the poorest among us and we have always sought out the common good and peaceful democratic coexistence. We have not looked for favors or privileges,” the archbishop said.