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_WORLD WATCH______________________________
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Venezuela
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Bishops, President continue to clash
An escalating debate
Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez has slammed the country’s Catholic bishops, saying they “do not walk in the path of God.”
Chavez has clashed repeatedly with the bishops, who have criticized his harsh, autocratic rule, accusing him of suspending democratic freedoms during his three years in power, especially in his control over a constitutional convention. The latest episode of presidential ire came in response to criticism by Cardinal Ignacio Velasco of Caracas and apostolic nuncio Archbishop André Dupuy.
Venezuela’s bishops subsequently rejected an invitation by President Hugo Chavez for a meeting, citing the president’s anti-Catholic rants and personal attacks. The bishops said that in light of the president’s public statements, it was clear that “the conditions for productive dialogue” were not in place. As the confrontation between Chavez and the hierarchy escalated, Cardinal Velasco told reporters that he thought “it would take a miracle” to save the Chavez regime from ultimate collapse.