Under the biblical motto “Lord, in your light we see light” (Ps 36:10), the bishops of Venezuela published a Pastoral Exhortation to the People of God at the conclusion of the 126th Ordinary Plenary Assembly of the Venezuelan Episcopate, held against a backdrop of significant social, political, and economic challenges.
In the document, dated October 23, 2026, the bishops present a pastoral perspective on the national situation and renew their commitment to accompanying the Venezuelan people, especially those suffering the consequences of poverty, violence, human rights violations, and the humanitarian crisis.
The bishops emphasize that the Church cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of the people and reaffirm their calling to accompany communities in the pursuit of a comprehensive reconstruction of the nation, grounded in Gospel values and a commitment to the common good.
A Reality That Challenges the Church and Society
The Pastoral Exhortation warns of widespread impoverishment, difficulties in accessing healthcare, the deterioration of the educational system, the loss of families’ purchasing power, and the social consequences of migration and displacement.
It also expresses concern about the situation of political, civilian, and military prisoners; political polarization; restrictions on democratic guarantees; and the need to restore the full validity of the Constitution.
In light of this situation, the bishops emphasize that human dignity must take priority in political, economic, and social decisions. They also reiterate the importance of protecting fundamental rights, supporting victims of rights violations, and strengthening solidarity networks that assist the individuals and families most affected by the crisis.
The document pays special attention to the situation of children, youth, older adults, teachers, and healthcare workers, whose rights and living conditions are affected by the country’s structural challenges.
Dialogue, Justice, and Reconciliation to Rebuild the Nation
In the face of Venezuela’s challenges, the bishops propose moving toward a national agreement grounded in truth, forgiveness, justice, and reconciliation. In this regard, they urge political, economic, academic, and social leaders to overcome the dynamics of polarization and to work for the common good.
They also emphasize the importance of ensuring free and transparent electoral processes, independent institutions, respect for political rights, and due process.
As part of their pastoral commitment, they invite people to create and strengthen spaces for encounter, listening, and dialogue in parishes and communities, to contribute to national reconciliation and the consolidation of lasting social peace.
The bishops also highlight the vocation of the lay faithful to actively participate in public and political life, promoting the ethical renewal of institutions and honest governance in the service of the people.
Solidarity as a Response to Emergencies
The Exhortation acknowledges the acts of solidarity displayed in the wake of the recent earthquakes that struck the country. The bishops express their gratitude for the coordinated response from communities, Caritas, social organizations, national and international institutions, rescue workers, and sister churches.
This experience, they note, demonstrates that suffering can become an opportunity to strengthen community bonds and promote a collective response to emergencies.
Among the proposed courses of action, the bishops call for strengthening Caritas’s charitable and social assistance networks at the national, diocesan, and parish levels, as well as soup kitchens, community meal programs, medical outreach days, and support programs for children and the elderly.
Likewise, they call for conditions that allow for greater participation by civil society organizations in assisting populations affected by natural disasters and other situations of vulnerability.
In the area of education, they propose promoting a national pact that guarantees decent conditions for educational institutions, helps reduce school dropout rates, and recognizes the work of teachers.
Hope as the Path to National Reconstruction
Despite the difficulties described, the bishops recognize signs of hope in efforts at solidarity, some improvements in working and communication conditions, and the progress they consider necessary for the restoration of citizens’ rights.
Therefore, they call on Venezuelans not to lose heart and to join a national reconstruction project that is inclusive, democratic, and ethical, oriented toward lasting peace.
In concluding the document, they entrust the country’s future to the intercession of Saint José Gregorio Hernández, Saint Carmen Rendiles, and Our Lady of Coromoto, patroness of Venezuela, and invite the ecclesiastical dioceses to promote days of prayer for the nation, within the framework of the Coromoto Jubilee Year.
“In Christ we are one,” the bishops remind us, adopting Pope Leo XIV’s papal motto as an invitation to overcome individualism and despair through fraternity and shared commitment.
The Pastoral Exhortation is a call to the Church and to all of Venezuelan society to work together in defense of life, respect for human dignity, and the building of a country where justice, solidarity, and peace are the foundations of coexistence.
From the perspective of a synodal Church—close to the realities of the people and committed to the promotion of life—this message also invites us to strengthen spaces for communion, listening, and ecclesial collaboration in service to those who most need support and hope.