Argentine Families Seek Vatican's Help for Loved Ones Trapped in Venezuela

In a bold move, the families of two Argentine citizens held in Venezuela turned to the Vatican for help. They want the Catholic Church to step in and push for their release. This comes as Venezuela starts letting some prisoners go. Nahuel Agustín Gallo, a security expert, was arrested in December 2024. German Giuliani, a lawyer, has been in prison since May 2025. Their wives went to the Catholic Church in Buenos Aires. They handed over a formal request. They hope the Vatican can speed up their release. Alexandra Gomez, Gallo's wife, spoke up. She said her husband has been missing for 411 days. She criticized the slow releases. She believes it only makes things harder for families. Gomez and others want all innocent people freed.In a letter to Pope Leo and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the families asked for help. They highlighted the Vatican's commitment to human rights. They also demanded better care for the detainees. Outside, relatives and friends of Venezuelan political prisoners held a protest. They carried photos and flags. Their signs read, "They took them alive, we want them back alive. " They also said, "Political prisoners are not bargaining chips. " Virginia Rivero, Giuliani's wife, shared her thoughts. She was happy they were heard but felt the response was weak. She thinks the Church might not know the full story. Venezuela has started releasing some political prisoners. This is part of easing tensions at home and abroad. It also signals a possible improvement in U. S. -Venezuela relations. But many prisoners are still held. The situation remains tense.