Venezuela’s Catholic bishops have issued a pastoral exhortation calling for national reconciliation, greater protection of human rights and urgent action to address the country’s education and healthcare crises. Vatican News reported on the document on 24 October 2026, following the bishops’ 126th Plenary Assembly.
Concern for children, young people and schools
The bishops warn that inadequate teachers’ salaries, deteriorating school facilities and student dropout rates threaten the prospects of a new generation. They call for a national educational pact that improves learning conditions and recognises educators’ work.
Reconciliation and practical solidarity
The exhortation urges dialogue across political and social divisions, support for people affected by human rights violations, and stronger charitable networks. The bishops also advocate fair and transparent elections and independent public institutions. These demands are the positions expressed by the bishops, rather than independently established outcomes.
Among its pastoral priorities are parish spaces for listening and reconciliation, alongside support for food programmes, medical assistance and vulnerable families through Caritas and other organisations. The bishops invite dioceses to arrange prayer initiatives during the Jubilee year of Our Lady of Coromoto.
