Politics
Leaders of the Catholic Church in Venezuela on Thursday criticized President Hugo Chavez's attempt to turn the country into a Marxist State, and urged political opponents to resolve their differences peacefully.

The Venezuelan Bishops' Conference (CEV) issued a statement voicing concern about the growing anti-religious spirit spread by Marxism, AP reported.
Chavez often asks Venezuelans to adopt Marxism and socialism, but insists that it is also compatible with Christianity. Further, he has referred to Jesus as "the major socialist in history."

The Venezuelan ruler often has verbal clashes with Catholic Church leaders, and accuses them of siding with the opposition. Once he called the Church "a cancer." In response, several representatives of the Church have condemned what they describe as increasing authoritarianism under Chávez.

Last week, Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino said that political motivations were leading some prosecutors to file questionable criminal charges against opponents of Chávez.

The Catholic leaders, who are highly appreciated by the majority of citizens in Venezuela, also called on all Venezuelans to work for reconciliation and peace, apparently referring to the serious divisions between allies and critics of Chávez.

The bishops also sought divine intervention to help Venezuela deal with a long drought that has caused severe power cuts.

The CEV said in their statement that Easter is an appropriate time to pray to God to send rain to the most affected areas and put an end to the prolonged drought that has affected Venezuela so seriously.