Mission to Maduro

The Vatican’s foreign minister will travel to Venezuela on 24 May where he is likely to have discussions with government authorities and politicians, the Holy See has confirmed, writes Christopher Lamb.

Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, will be in the country officially for the ordination of a new papal ambassador but is likely to meet with officials.

Pope Francis has written a personal letter to President Nicolas Maduro outlining his concern about the situation in Venezuela where an economic crisis has led to serious food shortages. Cardinal Parolin, the Secretary of State and a former papal ambassador to Venezuela, said on Sunday that the situation in the country “is very difficult and worrying” and there is a “need to find ways for dialogue, which is the only solution to the problem”.