Bishops oppose Maduro’s constitution gambit

President Nicolás Maduro has proposed the formation of a Constituent Assembly to reform the country’s constitution, but the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference has opposed the measure, saying it is “dangerous for democracy”, write Martha Pskowski and Francis McDonagh. A Bishops’ Conference statement released on 5 May firmly located the Church in opposition to the Government, which is facing increasing waves of protest against its ruinous economic, social and political policies.

The statement read: “Do not reform the Constitution but implement it. At present people need food, medicine, freedom and security, but the government does not solve these serious problems.”

Mr Maduro’s opponents have said they will not take part in the Constituent Assembly, viewing it as a ruse to buy time before elections due next year. In a letter to the Venezuelan bishops on 5 May, however, Pope Francis insisted the country’s problems could be solved by “building bridges”.