Venezuelan Catholics face backlash for opposing government

After speaking against alleged government misconduct, human rightsabuses and delay of free elections, Catholic churches and clergy around Venezuela are facing a wave of protests from pro-government supporters. A string of incidents began on the morning of Jan. 29, as supporters of the current government interrupted a Mass at San Pedro Claver Church in a poor neighborhood of Caracas, Reuters reported. The crowd of around 20 people hurled insults at the clergy, calling them “Satan in a cassock!” and “Fascist!” The protesters also used the chant “Chavez lives!” – in honor of late president and former leader of the ruling Socialist party, Hugo Chavez. More…