President Nicolas Maduro Pope Francis and the Vatican have “tried very hard” to find a solution that’s “peaceful and democratic” in Venezuela. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, told Italian media the Vatican wanted to “help all without destruction”.
On Sunday a referendum was held to elect a body to re-write Venezuela’s constitution, a matter which has been the subject of fierce protests and violence, and since April over 100 people have died. The president, Nicolas Maduro, claimed victory as more than eight million people are said to have voted in favour of the new constitution-writing body. This was met by the deaths of at least 13 people, including teenagers, during a day of violence.
Cardinal Parolin said their efforts sought “to recall each person to their own responsibilities” and
that: “The criteria for any solution must be only the good of the people.”