Cardinal Ignacio Velasco: to the catacombs if Venezuela falls to communism

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Tuesday, April 22, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Archbishop of Caracas, Cardinal Ignacio Velasco has come out fighting, warning that the Roman Catholic Church in Venezuela is prepared "to go down into the catacombs to praise God if the disgrace of a communist and atheist regime should befall Venezuela." 

Speaking at a religious ceremony marking the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Velasco told the faithful assembled at San Jose de Chacao church that Jesus preached a gospel of peace and union and the Venezuelan people has always identified itself with that message but must keep alert against the dangers of a Communist regime "because it would take away the catechism and freedom." 

Recalling that "communism denies God and the human spirit and heralds dictatorship," the Cardinal insists that "it has never done any good for the poor ... the Church laments the executions of dissidents in Cuba ... it's a sign of lack of respect for human life." 

Cardinal Velasco has confirmed that he received death threats by phone during Holy Week, admitting that he felt fear but insisting that he would continue his mission on earth.  Commenting the situation in Venezuela, Velasco says he is concerned that no agreement has been reached yet and believes that an electoral solution is the best.

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