Pope Francis Asks for the End of Violence in Venezuela, Asks Government to Dialogue in Peace

Pope Francis made a call to the government of Venezuela to end the violence which has increased in recent days against protesters who have invaded the streets of the country's main cities, asking that the government maintain peace dialogues with the opposition.

Before hundreds of people congregated at Saint Peter's Square, the Pope expressed his worry for the situation the Venezuelan people are living in, making a firm call to end the "violence and hostility" in the Bolivarian country, pointing at the political class and institutions as responsible to resolve the protests.

"I sincerely hope that the violence and hostility end as soon as possible, and that people of Venezuela, starting by the politicians and responsible institutions, act to promote national reconciliation through mutual forgiveness and sincere dialogue," said Francis during his weekly speech, via Reuters.

The first Latin American Pope who is characterized by his peace efforts since he assumed to top position as leader of the Catholic Church, said that the debates between the government of President Maduro and the opposition must be based in "truth and justice", which guarantee a quick solution.

On his part, Nicolás Maduro, who has insisted that the protests are only taking place in the country's great cities and that 90 percent of the country is at peace, made a call to religious leaders and businessmen to go to a peace conference at the presidential palace. However, opposition leaders said in an interview with Reuters, that President Maduro is not willing to discuss Venezuela's real problems.

The protests in Venezuela have left at least 13 people dead and dozens more injured, and over 500 citizens arrested, most of them students, who sought Maduro's resignation and an end to shortages and the insecurity in the country.

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, just over two weeks after the protests began, Maduro said that 50 people had died due to the protests, owing to street barricades that prevent the arrival of medical teams on time.

Nicolás Maduro has been harshly criticized since he assumed the presidency in April, 2013, with the largest civil uprising in at least a decade.