The NGO Justice, Encounter and Forgiveness (JEP) joined this Friday the calls for “freedom and justice” in the country, with a prayer specially dedicated to the political prisoners of Venezuela, just two days before the canonization of José Gregorio Hernández and Carmen Rendiles, who will be the first saints of Venezuela.
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“Lord God of life and truth, celebrating the canonization of José Gregorio Hernández and mother Carmen Rendiles, we ask you for justice, freedom and dignity of the Venezuelan people, (…) we pray for justice for those who lost their lives, freedom for political prisoners and peace for those who suffer persecution and injustice,” says the JEP prayer.
The NGO hopes that “those with power and authority (…) will hear the cry of a people who yearn for peace, respect for human rights and full freedom.”
The canonization has been seen by non-governmental organizations, opponents and the Catholic Church in Venezuela as an opportunity to demand the release of political prisoners, a cry led mainly by the relatives of those detained.
On October 7, the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference (CEV) pointed out that the ceremony represents “a favorable occasion for the State authorities to dictate pardon measures that allow those imprisoned for political reasons to regain freedom.”
In the opinion of the Church, this measure would favor the tranquility and harmony of family members and “the entire society.”
Venezuela registers 845 political prisoners, according to the NGO Foro Penal. The Executive and the Prosecutor’s Office, however, deny the existence of detainees for political reasons and assure that they have committed crimes, a statement that is rejected by opponents and human rights organizations.
The ceremony in Rome, which will be officiated by Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, will take place as Venezuela endures a prolonged political crisis.
