Pope looks on situation in Venezuela with hope

Pope looks on situation in Venezuela with hope
Benedict XVI received all the bishops from Venezuela and encouraged them to continue their work despite the difficulties in the country. He did not mention the Churchs relationship with president Hugo Chavez.

The pope said there are reasons to keep hope even though the challenges are difficult due in large part to the economic crisis.

Benedict XVI
I encourage you to increase the incentives to spread the message of Jesus in all its integrity and beauty. For this, on top of a good doctrinal formation of the people of God, its important to foster a deep life of faith and prayer.

The pope also called on the bishops to remember especially the challenges faced by the priests of their country so that they may grow and improve in their pastoral ministry. He also said the seminary is an institution that needs special support.

The president of the Venezuelan Bishops Conference thanked the pope for the meeting, saying they needed to hear his words of encouragement and hope.

The majority of Venezuelans, some 93%, is Catholic. The Churchs ministry also centers on helping the countrys poor amidst a difficult socio-economic reality that has plagued the country since Hugo Chavez took power.

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[willthacheerleader18]

May we all pray that Hugo Chavez will stop insulting and attacking the Church, and that the Roman Catholic Church may thrive in Venezuela. May God send Our Lady of Guadelupe to watch over the Americas.