Pope calls on Venezuelans to vote in a "responsible" manner

Pope Benedict XVI called on Venezuelans to cast their ballots in "a free, peaceful and responsible" manner in the presidential election of next October 7.

The German pontiff's call came in a letter he sent to the current Head of State, Hugo Chavez, on the occasion of the 201st anniversary of the Independence Day, said Apostolic Nuncio Pietro Parolin in his speech last Saturday during the installation of the 98th ordinary plenary session of the Venezuelan Bishops' Conference (CEV).

According to Parolin, Ratzinger reminded Venezuelans that the exercise of vote is not only a civil right, but also a "moral duty." The Pope also urged Venezuelans to build "a fairer and more supportive society," and advised them to invoke their "Christian roots."

Rejection of violence

The election issue was also addressed by President of the CEV Monsignor Diego Padrón during the press conference he offered on Tuesday together with Executive Vice President Elías Jaua.

Padrón condemned the acts of violence in recent days in some electioneering activities and called for "prudence and respect for diversity."

Finally, he hoped that the electoral campaign will be "above all, an educational process showing our democratic culture."

jalonso@eluniversal.com