Faith leaders who minister to Christians in Venezuela and the Venezuelan diaspora in the United States are urging prayers for peace as they attend to congregations roiled by uncertainty and high emotions following the U.S. capture of deposed leader Nicolás Maduro.
Initial responses from the Catholic bishops’ conference and the Evangelical Council of Venezuela have been cautious, appealing for calm and patience, while many pastors in the diaspora celebrated Maduro’s ousting. The Catholic archbishop of Miami, who serves the largest Venezuelan community in the U.S., expressed concern over the future, but emphasized the church's potential role in guiding the Catholic-majority nation forward.
Approximately eight million people have fled Venezuela since 2014, seeking refuge in neighboring Latin American countries before increasingly moving to the United States. Many settled in South Florida, where they form the biggest Venezuelan community in the U.S.
Following the capture of Maduro and his wife during a military operation, community members in South Florida celebrated this event, displaying flags in jubilation.
Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski commented on the community's mixed feelings, mentioning that while there is happiness over Maduro's removal, uncertainty looms regarding the future, especially for Venezuelans who have lost their temporary protective status.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has taken Maduro's place, suggesting a willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration, which could signal a significant change in relations.
The church is called to advocate for democracy while promoting calm and reconciliation amidst the division in Venezuelan society. In Doral, known as Little Venezuela, pastors lead their congregations in prayer for a peaceful transition and better days ahead for Venezuela.
During services and vigils across the U.S., Venezuelans express gratitude, hope, and conflicting emotions regarding their homeland's future, praying for justice and a collective reconciliation.
