The Venezuelan government declared national mourning until April 24, with flags at half-mast and a ban on public celebrations, honoring the pontiff as “a man of God who confronted the powerful with the truth of the Gospel.

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President Nicolás Maduro decreed three days of national mourning on April 21 following the passing of Pope Francis, highlighting his role as a “spiritual guide for the humble” and his tireless advocacy for peace in developing regions. The official measure, published in Gazette No. 9, establishes funeral honors until April 24 at 6:00 p.m., with the national flag flown at half-mast at all public institutions.

A Legacy Linked to Popular Causes

The presidential decree underscores that Francis was “a fraternal friend of the Venezuelan people” whose teachings “illuminated the path toward social justice.” Special emphasis is placed on his support for the canonization of José Gregorio Hernández, a Venezuelan physician revered as the “doctor of the poor,” a process the pontiff accelerated as a symbol of his commitment to marginalized communities.

The Venezuelan government emphasized that the religious leader “did not hesitate to challenge the powerful with the truth of the Gospel,” referencing his critiques of unbridled capitalism and social exclusion. President of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro recalled in his official statement how the Pope promoted peace dialogues in Venezuela, positioning himself as a mediator during the political crisis.

Official Mourning Measures

During the national mourning period, public celebrations are prohibited, and flags are ordered to be flown at half-mast at civil and military facilities. The decree describes the mourning as “a demonstration of the grief overwhelming the Venezuelan people and the world at the loss of a spiritual beacon.”

The official statement highlights the “Latin Americanist” character of the first pope from the Global South, calling him a “bulwark of Christian ethics against inequality.” It underscores his work in renewing the Church toward a “pastoral approach centered on the poor,” aligned with the principles of liberation theology.

The decree coincides with similar recognitions from other progressive governments in the region, reinforcing Francis’s image as a symbol of resistance against traditional power structures. His critical stance toward neoliberalism and foreign intervention in Latin America was particularly emphasized in the Venezuelan government’s statement.

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