Actor Sean Penn, while in Bolivia, is pleading for prayers and support for ailing Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. 

The Venezuelan government announced yesterday that the Cuban medical team attending President Hugo Chavez performed an “operational procedure” on him for a recurrence of cancer.  This was Chavez’ fourth surgery since 2011, when he was initially diagnosed with cancer. 

The 58-year-old ailing President and Penn are friends.  Penn most recently helped campaign for Chavez in his re-election bid. 

Sean hosted a candlelight vigil for Chavez in Bolivia, outside the Venezuelan embassy in the capital city of La Paz.  He said to the audience “I want to send my warmest embrace and support so that Chavez, who has been there for so many, can confront his illness with strength and resolve.”  “He is one of the most important forced we’ve had on this planet.”

Penn wore a Venezuelan flag jacket that Chavez is often seen wearing.  He is in Bolivia pleading for the release of Jacob Ostreicher, currently in jail on money laundering charges.