The Venezuelan Episcopal Conference (CEV) has made public on February 9, 2026, a new Pastoral Exhortation on the occasion of its CXXV Ordinary Plenary Assembly, in a context marked by the social, political, and economic crisis that the country is going through.
Under the biblical motto “Your light will break forth like the dawn” (Is 58:8), the bishops address a message of hope to the nation, while analyzing the current situation and making concrete calls in matters of reconciliation, human rights, sovereignty, and overcoming impoverishment. The full document, dated in Caracas on February 9, 2026, develops these reflections over 22 points.
A Message of Hope in the Face of the Crisis
The prelates point out that the exhortation arises from prayer and pastoral listening to the concerns and fears experienced by the population, especially after the events of January 3 this year. Inspired by the Gospel passage of Jesus calming the storm, they remind us that “we are not alone” amid the difficulties.
They also quote recent words from Pope Leo XIV in the Angelus of January 4, 2026, in which he urged that the good of the Venezuelan people prevail above any other consideration, with respect for sovereignty, the rule of law, and human rights.
Impoverishment, Human Rights, and Political Prisoners
In the text, the bishops describe a panorama marked by widespread impoverishment, lack of decently paid jobs, corruption, and human rights violations, with a special impact on health, education, and public services systems.
They also express closeness to political prisoners and their families, to emigrants, to those who have suffered abuses or lack sufficient income, and request the full release of those detained for political or unjust reasons. In this context, they value as positive the release of some deprived of liberty and continue to follow with attention the proposal for a general amnesty law, which they consider should be broad and inclusive.
Sovereignty and Institutional Reconstruction
One of the central sections of the document addresses national sovereignty. The bishops recall that the Constitution establishes that sovereignty resides in the people and point out that it was disregarded after the omission in the detailed publication of the results of the July 2024 presidential elections.
In addition, they warn about interference from external factors and the activity of irregular groups in the national territory. In this regard, they propose reconstructing democratic institutions, restoring the independence of public powers, and guaranteeing free and fair elections with credible organizations.
Reconciliation and Care for the Poorest
The exhortation insists on the need to overcome violence, banish hatred, and promote processes of re-encounter, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The bishops invite the opening of dialogue spaces that lead to a great national agreement.
Likewise, they emphasize that building a stable future involves combating the impoverishment that affects the majority of the population and has driven a large exodus. They highlight the importance of allocating resources from the oil industry to improve wages and social programs that generate decent work, in accordance with the constitutional mandate.
The document concludes with a call to prayer and the active participation of all citizens in political, economic, and social life, trusting in the intercession of the Virgin of Coromoto and encouraging the pursuit of paths of freedom, justice, and peace.