Caracas, Venezuela, Apr 5, 2013 / 11:17 am
Cardinal Jorge Urosa of Caracas, Venezuela and his auxiliary bishops are encouraging Venezuelans to vote freely, courageously and based on their conscience in the upcoming presidential election.
"Let us remember that one's vote is private," the bishops said in a recent statement. "Only God will know who we vote for."
"Let us reject any improper threats," they continued. "A freely cast vote is a right we must exercise with courage and in accord with our conscience."
Voting is a serious moral obligation, the bishops explained, because it strengthens democracy and ensures the wellbeing of Venezuelans, without any exclusion or discrimination.