The President of the Republic, Nicolás Maduro, mourned the passing this Monday of Pope Francis, emphasizing that he was a staunch defender of justice, peace, and the most humble.
The head of state spoke on behalf of the Venezuelan government and people in a statement published by the Chancellor of the Republic, Yván Gil Pinto:
«Pope Francis was a transformative spiritual leader, whose clear and courageous voice denounced the inequalities of the dominant system and called for the construction of a more humane, just, and profoundly supportive world. From his Latin American identity, he promoted a Church committed to the causes of the poor, to the protection of Mother Earth, and to dialogue between cultures and religions,» states the text.
Likewise, he manifested that his pontificate will be remembered for his profound commitment to the excluded ones, for his pastoral courage, and for his ability to renew hope in the people: «He was a man of God who did not hesitate to upset the powerful with the truth of the Gospel,» he added.
«Venezuela will always remember him as a sincere friend, as the pope who determinedly promoted the canonization of Dr. José Gregorio Hernández, a symbol of the faith of the Venezuelan people and a spiritual bridge between our struggles and our hope. We ask him, along with Mother Carmen Rendiles, to receive him in the glory of God,» he emphasized.