“I express a special greeting to the Venezuelan Catholic community in Italy, renewing my prayer for your beloved country,” said the Pope at the Angelus on July 16, 2017, while groups of Venezuelans waved a giant flag of their country and multi-colored balloons.
On Sunday, a popular referendum was held in Venezuela, promoted by the Opposition, to protest against the Constituent Assembly desired by President Maduro. The bishops supported the initiative, which was not recognized by the authorities. The humanitarian crisis in the country is getting worse.
After the Marian prayer, the Holy Father also greeted the Carmelite men and women on the day of the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. ”I hope they will be able to continue with determination on the way of contemplation,” he said.
