Alcalde de Baruta califica a Elías Santana y a Mario Moronta como "venezolanos ejemplares" https://t.co/EGgXVNERFG
Alcalde de Baruta lamenta muerte de Elías Santana y Mario Moronta: "Mis más sinceras condolencias a sus familiares" https://t.co/isvqjIpnyH
César Pérez Vivas lamentó muerte de Mario Moronta: "Su presencia y su obra deja una profunda huella en nuestra sociedad" https://t.co/rj7BWJDUP5
Venezuelan civil society lost two prominent voices on 4 August with the deaths of Elías Santana and Monsignor Mario Moronta, according to church and community organisations. Santana, 66, was celebrated for pioneering neighbourhood committees that encouraged citizen oversight of municipal services and was often described as the country’s informal ombudsman. Human-rights group Provea said his work laid the groundwork for modern participatory initiatives across Venezuela. Mario del Valle Moronta Rodríguez, 76, bishop emeritus of San Cristóbal and first vice-president of the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference, also died the same day. Moronta was known for an early rapprochement with Hugo Chávez yet later criticised the Maduro administration, notably demanding the release of protesters detained after the 2025 presidential election. Local political and religious leaders, including opposition figure Henrique Capriles, praised his decades-long ministry and defence of civil rights. Municipal authorities declared periods of mourning, calling both men “exemplary Venezuelans.” Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
