BREAKING Nobel Peace Prize Winner Catholic Politician Maria Machado Prays the Rosary on Social Media!

María Corina Machado, age 58, mother of 3, is a Venezuelan opposition leader, industrial engineer, and activist who was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her work promoting democracy in Venezuela. She is an outspoken Catholic and would often be seen wearing several rosaries around her neck , given to her by supporters. Machado often prays the rosary on social media with other influencers. Since being barred from running in the 2024 presidential election by the Nicolás Maduro regime, she has been in hiding due to threats against her life and liberty.

Religious upbringing: Machado was raised in a staunchly Catholic family and attended a Catholic girls' school in Caracas.

Charity work: Her work with abandoned children is influenced by her faith. Early in her career, she co-managed a home for 140 children and co-founded Fundación Atenea, an organization that helps vulnerable children.

Personal and political compass: Machado's Catholic beliefs are a prominent aspect of her personal and political identity. She has described herself as a woman of faith and has openly prayed during her campaigns.

Political career

Early Activism: In 2002, Machado co-founded the organization Súmate to advocate for free and fair elections and later became an outspoken critic of then-President Hugo Chávez. In 2010, she was elected to the National Assembly with a record number of votes.

• Removal from Office: The Maduro regime removed her from the National Assembly in 2014 and banned her from leaving the country.

  Presidential Primary Win: In 2023, Machado won the opposition's presidential primary election in a landslide but was subsequently disqualified from holding office for 15 years by Venezuela's government.

2024 Presidential Election: After her ban was confirmed, she endorsed Edmundo González Urrutia as the opposition's candidate. Although official results showed Maduro as the winner, Machado and the opposition presented vote tallies showing González won by a landslide. Following the disputed election, Machado went into hiding.

Rosary from Social Media with Maria Machado

The Nobel Committee
"The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded today to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. A courageous and committed advocate for peace," said Jørgen Watne Frydnes, Chairman of the Nobel Committee. "A woman who keeps the flame of democracy alive amidst the growing darkness."
"As the leader of the democratic movement in Venezuela, María Corina Machado is one of the most extraordinary examples of civic courage in Latin America in recent times," the statement reads. "Ms. Machado was a key and unifying figure in a previously deeply divided political opposition. An opposition that found common ground in demanding free elections and representative government," the Norwegian Nobel Committee recalls.
"Machado has dedicated years to working for the freedom of the Venezuelan people. The Venezuelan regime's iron grip on power and its repression of the population are not unique phenomena in the world," the institution emphasized. The committee highlighted his role during the July 2024 presidential election. In that electoral process, the opposition claimed to have won at the polls, but the results were ignored by the ruling party, which never presented evidence of its alleged victory," the Nobel Committee explained.
"Democracy is a prerequisite for lasting peace. However, we live in a world where it is in decline, where more and more authoritarian regimes defy norms and resort to violence," the Norwegian Committee notes. It adds: "We see the same trends globally: the rule of law is abused by those in power, press freedom is silenced, critics are imprisoned, and societies are pushed towards authoritarian regimes and militarization. In 2024, more elections were held than ever before, but fewer and fewer are free and fair."PHONE CALL from the NOBEL PRIZE SPOKESMAN
In a surprise telephone conversation , Maria Corina Machado expressed her honor and gratitude for the prize, which reflects the strength of her fellow Venezuelans. After an emotional "Oh God, I have no words," the Venezuelan opposition leader stated: "I accept this as recognition of our people, of the millions of Venezuelans who, in anonymity, risk everything for freedom, justice, and peace, and I am absolutely convinced that we will achieve it."
"It has been a long road," Machado explained, "with a high cost for Venezuelan society. For many years, the world didn't realize how hard, difficult, painful, and destructive this process had been. And the Venezuelan people persevered. I believe we are very close to finally achieving freedom for our country and peace for the region. I believe that, despite facing the most brutal violence, our society has resisted and insisted on fighting through civil and peaceful means. I believe the world will now understand the urgency of finally achieving this because of the implications, I insist, not only for Venezuela and Latin America, but this will have an enormous impact on the hemisphere, the entire hemisphere, and the world."