Cardinal Baltazar Porras, emeritus archbishop of Caracas, reported today, December 10, that he was prevented from traveling at Maiquetía international airport when he was about to fly to Madrid to fulfill ecclesial commitments.
The testimony of Cardinal Porras
In a letter addressed today to the Venezuelan bishops, Cardinal Porras explains that, upon presenting his passport at the migration control, the document was retained for an “internal consultation.” From that moment on—as he recounts—he received different explanations about alleged technical or administrative problems, until finally a military official informed him that he could not travel. The cardinal describes that he was required to sign a document for “non-compliance with regulations,” without authorization to obtain a copy or photograph it, and that the return of his luggage was also delayed.
The statement issued by the Chancellery of the Order of Saint Lazarus confirms that the cardinal, Spiritual Protector of the Grand Priory of Venezuela, was heading to Madrid to participate in an official ceremony, and that immigration officials detained not only Porras, but also Grand Prior José Antonio Rodríguez Rodríguez and his wife. According to the formal complaint, the cardinal’s Venezuelan passport was confiscated and canceled, and he was not allowed to board even when presenting his Vatican State passport. The Chancellery states that he was subjected to personal searches and inspection of his luggage with detector dogs, which it considers treatment incompatible with international norms that protect the dignity and diplomatic prerogatives of a cardinal of the Church.
Travel ban and conditions of detention
A report published today by The Pillar, citing sources close to the cardinal, coincides on the central elements: Porras was detained for around two hours, his mobile phone was taken away, and he was verbally informed that he had a travel ban from the country. The media confirms that the Venezuelan passport was canceled on the spot and that, by internal regulations, the authorities prevented him from traveling with his Vatican passport. The situation—according to these sources—occurred despite the trip having an official character and being linked to his ecclesial role.
The media also recalls that in recent weeks tensions had been registered between the Venezuelan Government and the cardinal, especially after his statements in Rome on the occasion of the canonization of the first Venezuelan saints. Likewise, it points out that in October he had already been prevented from boarding a domestic flight and that even a private trip was frustrated by decisions of local authorities that forced the diversion of his aircraft and blocked his land travel.
The Order of Saint Lazarus raises a formal protest and demands international guarantees
The Chancellery of the Grand Priory of the Order of Saint Lazarus maintains that the facts constitute a violation of international law, particularly the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which establishes the personal inviolability of diplomatic agents, immunity from jurisdiction, and respect for their documents and personal effects. Therefore, it requests that the Vatican Secretary of State present a formal protest, that the Grand Priory of Spain notify the superior of the Order of the situation, and that the Venezuelan authorities restore the confiscated passport and guarantee the cardinal’s free movement.
Porras laments what happened and highlights the lack of institutional clarity
In his letter, Porras explains that he shares what happened to avoid erroneous interpretations and because the lack of information about administrative decisions constitutes a problem that affects many citizens. He points out that this type of episode is especially significant on World Human Rights Day, which is commemorated today. He thanks the support received and expresses his desire to live this moment with the serenity proper to Advent and Christmas, indicating that he will not make additional public statements.