Several U.S. Latino lawmakers who have been barred from entering Venezuela by president Nicolas Maduro for their criticism of the government took to Twitter to respond to the South American government's latest actions.
Florida Republican congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen tweeted in English as well as in Spanish, saying it was an "honor to have tyrant Maduro prohibit her entering the country to demand human rights."
Florida Republican congressman Mario Diaz-Balart also took to Twitter about the ban.
New Jersey Democratic Senator Robert Menendez, an outspoken critic of Maduro, said he would continue speaking out against the Maduro government.
Apart from the ban on officials, Maduro also said the country might limit the number of American diplomatic officials, which would limit the processing of visas. The U.S. embassy in Caracas temporarily suspended new tourist visas for Venezuelans last year, citing staffing issues.
On Sunday Pope Francis said in an address he was praying for a 14-year-old boy killed by police in an anti-government protest. The incident has sparked outrage and more protests in the country.
"I would like to recall Venezuela, which is once again experiencing new moments of acute tension ... I pray for the victims and in particular for the boy killed a few days ago in San Cristobal," said the Pope.
The Pope also said he was hoping for the start of talks between the government and opposition.
--The Associated Press and Reuters also contributed to this report.
