What’s behind Venezuela’s new archbishop appointments?

There are several possible reasons for the appointments - including a strategic decision in an election year or the result of Vatican diplomacy.

On June 28, the Vatican announced the appointment of three new archbishops in Venezuela.

Flag of Venezuela. Credit: railway fx / Shutterstock.

Pope Francis accepted the resignation of 79-year-old Cardinal Baltasar Porras of Caracas, and appointed Bishop Raúl Biord, SDB of the Diocese of La Guaira as his successor.

The pope also filled two major vacant sees.