Venezuelan Cardinal Reports Travel Obstruction Ahead of Saint’s Festivity
CARACAS, Venezuela – Cardinal Baltazar Porras reported Saturday he was repeatedly prevented from traveling too Isnotú, Trujillo state, to participate in liturgical celebrations marking the canonization of Venezuelan physician and humanitarian José Gregorio Hernández, which occurred October 26th.The cardinal detailed a series of obstacles he encountered while attempting to reach the event, raising concerns about freedom of movement within Venezuela.
According to a statement posted on his Instagram account, Cardinal Porras had been invited by the Bishop of Trujillo to lead a mass of thanksgiving in Isnotú, a location important to the life of the newly canonized saint. He explained that such celebrations are a Church tradition following a canonization.
The cardinal stated he was initially informed on the night of October 24th by a vice minister of worship within the Episcopal Conference that his presence in Isnotú was deemed “inconvenient” due to concerns about potential unrest. Subsequently, his scheduled Conviasa flight on October 25th was reportedly suspended – though he noted he traveled to Valera without issue, indicating the flight cancellation may have been misleading.
Undeterred, Cardinal Porras then chartered a private flight, only to be instructed mid-air to land in Barquisimeto due to alleged strong winds and a closure of the Valera airport. He later confirmed that the Trujillo state airport remained open. Upon landing in Barquisimeto, he observed a significant military presence.
Attempts to arrange ground transportation where also blocked, with authorities preventing a rental company from providing a vehicle. Cardinal Porras and his delegation were ultimately forced to return to Maiquetía airport.
“It is striking that this type of thing happens.That as a citizen one cannot move from one place to another and with a military deployment,” he stated. He emphasized that he did not experience any physical harm during the incidents.
The canonization of José Gregorio Hernández, a beloved figure in Venezuela known for his charitable work, is a significant event for the country’s Catholic community. Cardinal Porras’s reported difficulties in traveling to celebrate the occasion have sparked questions about the circumstances surrounding his attempted journey.