HOLY SEE: THREATS TO PRESS FREEDOM IN VENEZUELA

C O N F I D E N T I A L VATICAN 000037 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR WHA/AND LOURDES CUE E.O. 12958: DECL: 2/6/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM VT VE SUBJECT: HOLY SEE: THREATS TO PRESS FREEDOM IN VENEZUELA REF: STATE 12181 CLASSIFIED BY: Christopher Sandrolini, Charge d'affaires, EXEC, State. REASON: 1.4 (d) ¶1. (C) DCM spoke February 6 with Monsignor Marcel Smejkal, the Holy See official responsible for Andean countries, about Venezuela. DCM emphasized reftel points on recent GOV actions to curtail the freedom of the press. DCM reminded Smejkal (who is relatively new to his position) of Embassy's frequent interventions with his predecessor and others on the subject of threats to democracy and stability in Venezuela. Smejkal was knowledgeable and in agreement on the dangers posed to the region and to the Church by an increasingly heavy-handed Chavez government. DCM noted the strong support of the USG for democracy and freedom of religion in Venezuela and elsewhere, and urged the Vatican to consider any steps it might take to strengthen and show support for clergy and believers in that country. ¶2. (C) DCM also noted the upcoming papal visit to Brazil (May 9-13) for the CELAM (Latin American Bishops Conference) meeting, suggesting that the Pope or a senior Holy See official could take advantage of that visit to direct a message of support to the Church in Venezuela. Smejkal made clear that the Pope's itinerary was fixed, but that there would of course be a delegation of Venezuelan bishops at the CELAM gathering, and the Holy See was well aware of the opportunities for important statements and symbolic gestures. He also noted that CELAM itself was putting together the agenda for the conference and would be able to consider moves of its own. Smejkal, indicating he would study the points raised, looked forward to further discussions in the weeks leading up to the papal trip. ¶3. (C) Comment: The Holy See is very aware of the threat posed by developments in Venezuela and appreciates USG support, but will probably move cautiously to avoid putting the Church there at further risk. We will continue discussions with Smejkal and others and report developments in Holy See thinking as we learn of them, as well as updates in the planning for the papal visit. ROONEY