The Catholic Church leader supported political pluralism (Handout photo)

The rights enshrined in the Venezuelan Constitution that allow the existence of political pluralism, as well as freedom of thought and opinion, were the principles supported by Jorge Cardinal Urosa Savino, upon his arrival at Venezuela from Rome.

"The Venezuelan Constitution enshrines democratic pluralism, freedom of opinion and freedom of thought. I refer to these thoughts only when I talk to Venezuelan people," said the Catholic leader at Maiquetía International Airport, where La Guaira bishop, Monsignor Trino Valera, as well as representatives of secular and Catholic sectors welcomed him.

People in the airport called the head of Venezuela's Catholic Church "a brave man".

Urosa declined to comment about the statements made by President Hugo Chávez, who called him a "troglodyte" and "unworthy" for trying to "scare people about communism." Cardinal Urosa said: "I do not want to continue this controversy. This is not my role. I support peace and unity among brothers. I hope good sense prevails."

The Catholic leader said that he was pleased to see young people welcoming him. "This reiterates the faith in Church by young people," he added.
In a statement prior to the closing session of the Ninetieth Ordinary Assembly of the Venezuelan Bishops' Conference (CEV), which will be held on Monday, the President of the CEV, Monsignor Ubaldo Santana, said that "the Catholic Church has always been criticized by those in power," but they manage to fulfill their apostolic mission.

Source: ElUniversal.com