Venezuelan Minister Criticizes Catholic Church Amid Maduro’s Arrest
In a recent broadcast of his weekly show, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello hit out at the Catholic Church, branding them “fascists in cassocks.” His remarks followed the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. authorities.
During the program, “Con el mazo dando,” he accused church officials of not supporting the regime against the U.S. action. He expressed frustration, saying:
“These so-called fascists in cassocks, along with anti-socialist leader María Corina Machado, have been silent about the attacks on our country. They haven’t even held a small mass or prayer for the victims.”
It’s worth noting that Machado had met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican just weeks before Maduro’s arrest. Cabello, who is on the U.S. wanted list for drug-related terrorism, has long criticized the Venezuelan Catholic Church. He accuses it of aligning with U.S. interests and undermining the socialist government during Trump’s pressure campaign leading up to Maduro’s gathering.
Cabello has often claimed that religious leaders are “conspiring” against the government, although he offers no evidence to support these allegations.
The Catholic Church in Venezuela has been vocal about the situation, advocating for the release of political prisoners. Recently, several Catholic priests have provided support to families waiting outside prisons and torture centers for the release of their loved ones.
In January, Archbishop Polito Rodríguez called for the release of all political prisoners, even mentioning a massive Catholic procession that saw nearly 4 million attendees—the first since the arrest operation against Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Cabello, however, responded by accusing Rodríguez of defending “criminals.”
Despite Cabello’s claims that no political prisoners exist in Venezuela, various organizations—including local and foreign groups—report significant numbers being unjustly detained. As the regime’s interior minister, Cabello oversees the harsh repression of dissent.
In his latest broadcast, he labeled those celebrating Maduro’s arrest as “hypocrites” for advocating the release of political prisoners at the same time. He stated:
“It’s clear that those supporting what they call political prisons here are rejoicing because President Maduro is held in the U.S. They are celebrating his captivity. Why don’t they want him freed too? That’s hypocrisy.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently discussed the ongoing release of political prisoners, stating that part of Venezuela’s transition to democracy involves granting spaces for diverse opinions, which includes freeing political prisoners.
“Some estimates suggest up to 2,000 political prisoners need releasing. While the process is slower than I’d prefer, progress is being made,” he mentioned.
Cabello has aired new episodes of his show weekly throughout the year, now featuring a different location and without a live audience. He asserted his commitment to continuing the broadcast to reveal the “truth” about the regime’s opposition.
In his own words, he suggested, “Right now, I believe the opponents of the regime watch my show to see how it plays out. I mean, I’m just here to communicate with you all.”
For years, Cabello has used this platform to attack and threaten dissenters. Recently, he made pointed comments about Machado, implying her relevance depended on media attention.
“Without the media hype, she just disappears. It’s the headlines that keep her relevant,” he remarked, adding a veiled threat against her.
