The State has powers, but some people "intend, by means of blackmail and pressure, by using institutions as screen, even by means of persons," to ignore such powers, said President Hugo Chávez during his take-office speech.

"This is why I said, Mr. Cardinal, with due respect, that I cannot understand the position of the Catholic Church, or at least, the position of the hierarchy. The State respects the Church; then, the Church must respect the State," Chávez told Jorge Cardinal Urosa Savino, who attended the investiture ceremony.

Last weekend, the Catholic Church urged the government to think it over concerning the decision not to renew a broadcasting license to private TV channel RCTV.

"I would not like to come back to the times of clashes with Venezuelan bishops. It is not up to me, but to Venezuelan bishops. I will be here with my fire, defending the State sovereignty, the State rights. They are inalienable, irreplaceable."