Yesterday evening Pope Francis privately received President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Moros. “The meeting took place in the frame of the serious political, social and economic crisis affecting the country, with heavy consequences for the daily life of the whole population”, says the Vatican press room. In this way, “the Pope has all Venezuelans close to his heart, and he wishes to go on giving his contribution in favour of the country’s institutions, fostering any step which may solve problems, and stimulating trust among the Parties. Moreover, he asked everyone to follow the path of sincere and constructive dialogue, in order to relieve the sufferings of the people, and above all, of the poor. The Pope also calls for social cohesion, through which it is possible to look at the future of the Nation with great hope”.