Cardinal's Passport Confiscation Highlights Tensions in Venezuela

Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Porras had his passport confiscated, preventing him from traveling abroad amid political tensions. Relations between the Venezuelan government and the Catholic Church remain strained, with this incident occurring alongside opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's Nobel Peace Prize recognition. The government accuses the Church of conspiracy.

Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Porras experienced passport confiscation at an airport near Caracas, inhibiting his travel plans amid rising political tensions in the nation. The Cardinal, a prominent figure in the Venezuelan Catholic Church, reported the event on social media platform X, mentioning his inability to attend church events in Madrid.

The incident coincides with Maria Corina Machado's Nobel Peace Prize event, further outlining the strained relationship between the Church and Venezuela's government. Machado, an opposition leader, is defying travel bans to reach Oslo for the award ceremony. The Church's calls for human rights have previously clashed with the government's stance.

Venezuelan authorities have accused the Church of subversion, compounded by past statements from President Nicolas Maduro, who criticized Cardinal Porras during the canonization of Jose Gregorio Hernandez, claiming victory for both God and the populace. The Communications Ministry has remained silent on the recent incident.

(With inputs from agencies.)