Inspired by the message of Jesus Christ—”I leave you peace, I give you my peace… Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (Jn 14:27)—and in the words of Pope Leo XIV for the 59th World Day of Peace, the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA) and the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM) express their fraternal greetings and deep solidarity with the Venezuelan people in the face of the complex situation the country is going through.
From the Amazon, both ecclesial bodies express their concern about the current events that are exacerbating violence, deepening social and political instability, and continuing to violate the democratic principles and human rights of the Venezuelan people.
CEAMA and REPAM warn that any attempt at intervention by external military forces constitutes a serious threat to peace, opening the door to a confrontation of greater proportions in a scenario already marked by high political and military tension, with possible repercussions for regional stability.
This challenging context particularly calls on the Church in the Amazon, which today more than ever is called to remain united, to strengthen its commitment to peace, democracy, human rights, and socio-environmental justice, and to accompany the suffering peoples with hope.
In communion with the message of Pope Leo XIV, expressed during the Angelus prayer on January 4, CEAMA and REPAM echo his call to overcome violence and guarantee sovereignty, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. In the words of the Holy Father:
“The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over any other consideration and lead to overcoming violence and embarking on paths of justice and peace, guaranteeing the sovereignty of the country and ensuring the rule of law.”
Likewise, both entities join in the prayer of the universal Church and the call of the Episcopal Conference of Venezuela to live with greater intensity the hope and fervent prayer for unity, peace in hearts, and reconciliation in society.
Finally, CEAMA and REPAM raise their prayers to God the Creator to protect the dignified life of their sisters and brothers in Venezuela and throughout the Amazon, reaffirming their spiritual closeness and pastoral commitment to the peoples who cry out for justice and peace.
Presidencies of the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM)
and the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA)