CELAM to release statement on Venezuela after hearing from its bishops

Latin American bishops will discuss the evolving political crisis in Venezuela during a four-day long assembly in El Salvador in which they are reiterating calls for the church to "go forth" and serve the poor and disadvantaged. The Latin America bishops' council, known by its Spanish acronym, CELAM, formed a special commission, headed by the president of the Venezuelan bishops' conference, Archbishop Diego Padron Sanchez of Cumana, to study the situation and make recommendations. Cardinal Ruben Salazar Gomez of Bogota, Colombia, president of CELAM, said the council would make a statement on the situation after hearing from Venezuelan representatives. At least 37 Venezuelans have died during weeks of protests across the South American country as demonstrators have taken to the streets against President Nicolas Maduro's plans to rewrite the constitution in what they say will expand his powers. More…