The second issue driving communities to evangelical churches might be the Catholic Church’s priest shortage, which means fewer faith leaders are now serving larger groups of people, said Smilde.

Or they can re-elect President Nicolás Maduro, the most likely winner, ... In the mid-1940s, a socialist political branch prevented the Catholic Church from providing religious education.

Maduro has declared the beginning of Christmas months before four times before: in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023. The first one brought forward a ceremony that usually takes place on December 1.

Evangelical Christians are often courted by right-wing politicians. But in Venezuela, left-wing President Nicolás Maduro is trying to secure the church's support in the run-up to elections.

Caracas, Venezuela, Sep 5, 2024 / 07:00 am “This year, in homage and gratitude to you, I am going to decree that the Christmas season [begins] on Oct. 1,” declared Nicolás Maduro, leader of ...

Earlier this week, Nicolás Maduro’s regime in Venezuela staged parliamentary and regional elections stripped of any legitimacy. The leading opposition coalition, led by María Corina Machado ...

Maduro has been skilled, during the repeated crises of his regime, in dividing the local Catholic leadership — very popular in Venezuela — against Pope Francis.

Billboards in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, portraying Nicolás Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chávez, with the message “It is time for loyalty,” in Caracas in May.

Nicolás Maduro. A former bus driver and trade union leader prior to entering politics in 2000, 61-year-old Maduro ascended to the country's highest office 11 years ago, ...

Ortega’s attack on the two South American leaders suggests that what was once a relatively robust coalition of left-wing governments in Latin America may be fracturing for good.

Or they can reelect President Nicolás Maduro, the most ... . State Department's 2023 report on religious freedom cites official estimates that 96% of the Venezuelan population is Catholic, ...

Maduro’s party declared near-total victory, seizing 253 of 277 seats and 23 of 24 governorships. For most Venezuelans, it was not an election — it was a farce.