Pope Francis calls for peace and truth amid the Venezuelan crisis.

In a context of growing political and social tension in Venezuela, Pope Francis has called on the international community and internal actors in the country to "seek the truth." This message comes in the wake of allegations of fraud in the recent presidential elections held on July 28, in which Nicolás Maduro was declared re-elected with 52% of the votes. The controversy over the legitimacy of the elections has resonated globally, generating a clamor for transparency. During his traditional Sunday Angelus prayer, the Pope urged all parties involved to act with moderation and resolve their differences through dialogue. His message arrives at a critical moment for Venezuela, where protests have resulted in at least eleven deaths and over 2,000 arrests, according to human rights organizations. This call for peace and truth reflects international concern for the situation in a country mired in crisis. Opposition leader María Corina Machado has taken the Pope's call as a positive sign and acknowledges the support of several European countries that have demanded the publication of the election records. Among the nations expressing concern are Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Portugal. The opposition leader emphasized the importance of this backing in her fight for democracy and electoral transparency. Allegations of fraud have gained traction in the context that the National Electoral Council, which is considered aligned with the government, has yet to release detailed voting results. In contrast, the opposition has presented records suggesting that Edmundo González Urrutia, the opposition candidate, would have obtained 67% of the votes, calling into question the validity of the electoral process. The situation is complicated by the Maduro government's claims of a "massive hacking" of its electoral system. Meanwhile, the international community remains divided. The United States has backed the opposition, stating there is "overwhelming evidence" of González Urrutia's victory, while countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico are attempting to promote political dialogue between both sides. However, Russia and China have expressed their support for Maduro, reflecting the deep geopolitical divisions surrounding the Venezuelan crisis. The atmosphere of tension intensifies following Maduro's statements, in which he warned that a "usurper" would not be allowed in the presidency, referring to González Urrutia. This assertion seeks to draw a parallel with the international recognition received by opposition leader Juan Guaidó in 2019 when he was proclaimed "interim president." Guaidó was backed at that time by Washington and numerous governments that deemed the 2018 elections fraudulent. The situation in Venezuela reflects the struggle for power and democracy, where international pressure could play a crucial role in the country's future. Pope Francis's call resonates at a time when the need for a peaceful and dialogical resolution is imperative to avoid further bloodshed and suffering for the population. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan community both inside and outside the country remains attentive to political developments and the reaction of the international community. The demand for transparency and the pursuit of electoral justice have become essential slogans in the fight for a better future for Venezuelans. The actions taken by Maduro's government, as well as the support it receives from the international community, will be decisive in the coming days. Pressure on the regime, fueled by popular outcry and international backing, could lead to a change in the political dynamic, although the path to truth and justice still seems long and fraught with obstacles. In this complex web of interests and struggles, Pope Francis's message stands out as a light in the darkness, reminding all actors of the importance of seeking the truth and prioritizing the well-being of the population over partisan interests. The hope for a democratic future in Venezuela largely depends on the ability of its leaders to heed that call.