The Sisters of the Holy Cross express our deep concern regarding recent developments in Venezuela and their implications for the Venezuelan people.
We echo the statement offered on Sunday by Pope Leo XIV, who said, “The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration and lead us to overcome violence and to undertake paths of justice and peace.” We join Pope Leo in his call for restraint, dialogue and fidelity to moral principles that uphold human dignity and peace.
We likewise express our solidarity with the statement of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Venezuela, whose pastoral voice reflects closeness to the suffering of their people. “In the face of the events that our country is experiencing today, let us ask God to grant all Venezuelans serenity, wisdom and strength … May the decisions that are made always be for the good of our people.”
We firmly uphold the right of the Venezuelan people to self-determination, and we urge Congress and the administration of the United States to support free and fair elections and a peaceful transfer of power.
We recognize that these same threats endanger other countries. The sovereignty of nations must be respected, and all actions must honor the rule of law. Lasting and just solutions cannot be imposed through force but must arise through lawful, inclusive and peaceful means.
We therefore call for renewed efforts to seek peaceful solutions within the framework of the rule of law, dialogue and respect for human rights. We pray for the people of Venezuela and for all leaders, that wisdom, compassion and concern for the common good may guide their decisions toward peace and justice.
—Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross