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Pope-Feb-2017-main_article_image.jpg
PA
World News

Pope offers to mediate between sides in crisis-hit Venezuela

President Nicolás Maduro (pictured below) is facing calls from opposition figures for a vote on whether to remove him from office, amid an economic crisis triggered by falling oil prices.

Wikimedia Commons

Vatican envoy, Caracas Aldo Giordano, told AFP: "The pope has expressed his availability, if (the sides) consider it useful".

The pontiff had been encouraging dialogue to improve relations between the two sides last year; however, talks broke down in December.

President Maduro and opposition figures have both said they are considering a meeting at the Vatican with Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff.

Despite its role as a major oil producer, Venezuela's economy woes are unprecedented, with inflation higher than any other country, and basic food and medicine supplies running scarce.

The country also has on the world's highest murder rates.

Protestors have accused the state of being dictatorial, jailing demonstrators and ignoring congress.

Meanwhile, the Roman Catholic Church in Venezuela has experienced a backlash from government supporters in recent weeks, following a series of speeches in recent months which has chastised the left-wing government.

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