Members of Philadelphia’s Venezuelan community gathered Sunday at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, where organizers described a moment of mixed emotions after a U.S. strike that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Malduro.
Some in attendance at the Spanish-language service fled to Philadelphia after leaving Venezuela.
Dozens of people entered the basilica ahead of a noon service hosted by three organizations, including Casa de Venezuela Philadelphia.
The groups, which organizers said have long been a support system for Venezuelan residents in the region, described the gathering as a time to pray for peace.
Organizers said many Venezuelans left their home country because of a corrupt government and harsh living conditions that made it difficult to obtain basic necessities such as food and water.
News of Nicolás Maduro’s capture, they said, has brought both relief and concern, with uncertainty over who will lead the country next.
They added that they hope the moment will lead to the restoration of democratic order and “respect for the will of the Venezuelan people.”
“It has been a rollercoaster for the Venezuelan community living here in Philadelphia,” said Emelio Buitrago of Casa de Venezuela Philadelphia. “Most of the people are relieved we are seeing Maduro in prison – but it’s the uncertainty of what’s coming next.”
The basilica service was one local event responding to the U.S. strike in Venezuela.
At the same time, the Unitarian Society of Germantown in Mount Airy hosted what organizers called the “No War in Venezuela Emergency Vigil.”
They described it as one of hundreds of protests nationwide and pointed to elected officials who have condemned what they called an “invasion and kidnapping” of Maduro.
Protesters also voiced opposition to the U.S. becoming involved in another country’s conflicts.
Organizers of the basilica service said they are urging caution and patience. Their prayers, they said, will focus on peace, truth, freedom and the dignity of the Venezuelan people.