'Jesus ... do not take me yet,' Hugo Chavez weeps

Venezuelan Presidency  /  AFP - Getty Images

(Reuters) Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez wept and asked God to spare his life during a pre-Easter Mass after returning from his latest session of cancer treatment in Cuba. 

Very little is known about the 57-year-old socialist leader's condition, including even what type of cancer he has. Chavez has undergone three operations in less than a year, and received two sessions of radiation treatment.

He says the latest surgery was successful, that he is recovering well and will be fit to win a new six-year term at an election in October. Yet big questions remain about his future, and on Thursday the strain appeared to show.

In a televised speech to the Catholic service in his home state of Barinas Thursday, Chavez cried and his voice broke as he eulogized Jesus, revolutionary fighter Ernesto "Che" Guevara and South American independence hero Simon Bolivar.

"Never forget that we are the children of giants ... I could not avoid some tears," the former soldier said, his parents and other relatives looking on from the church rows.

"Give me your crown, Jesus. Give me your cross, your thorns so that I may bleed. But give me life, because I have more to do for this country and these people. Do not take me yet," Chavez added, standing below an image of Jesus with the Crucifix...

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Venezuelan bishop: 'I am not afraid of threats'

Caracas, Venezuela, Apr 17, 2009 / 12:50 pm (CNA).- Bishop Rafael Conde of Maracay in Venezuela rejected threats made against him this week by members of the party of President Hugo Chavez and said the bishops in that country would continue working without fear to achieve a climate of dialogue.

Members of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela threatened the bishop over his criticism of the recent decision by the government to condemn three police officers who were accused of the crime of opposing the ideological decisions of the government.

Party members have also demanded the all the bishops of Venezuela be put on trial for “contempt of the authority” of Chavez.

“I do not fear the actions that government officials might take,” said Bishop Conde, who announced that the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference “has tried to speak with authorities of the executive branch to establish a roundtable dialogue, but up to now that has been impossible.”

“The Church without fear only works for the common good of the country,” the bishop said. He announced that in the coming days, the bishops’ conference would meet to discuss various issues, including the growing political tension.

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