Caracas: Hundreds of Venezuelans have held a candlelight vigil for President Hugo Chavez, praying for their leader while he remained in a hospital undergoing cancer treatment.
Chavez’s supporters gathered on a wide stairway in a hillside park near the presidential palace yesterday. They lit candles at sunset and sang along with a recording of a healthy Chavez belting out the national anthem. Some wiped away tears.
Others closed their eyes and prayed. Some said they felt sad, yet still hopeful that Chavez might be able to survive. “We’re praying for the president, for him to get through all of this,” said Ana Perez, a seamstress holding a candle and shielding her flame from the breeze with a piece of paper.
Her eyes filled with tears as she talked about Chavez. “There is no other president like this one. He’s unique,” she said, wiping a wet cheek.
“He’s going to come out of all of this, and he’s going to get better,” Perez said. “He’s survived many hard things. He’s strong.” (AP)