In February, the nuncio's residence was bombed, causing only minor damages. The façade of the structure was also vandalized with political graffiti.

A statement from the Venezuelan bishops' conference expressed the prelates concern, both for this attack and the "eruption of political violence in various regions of the country." The bishops called for calm, prudence and respect for constitutional rights and liberties.

The Italian archbishop, 67, has been the nuncio to Venezuela since 2005. He has also served as the nuncio to Belize, El Salvador and Costa Rica.