A 39-year-old priest has been violently stabbed to death in Venezuela, his diocese has reported.

The body of Father Darwin Antonio Zambrano Gamez was found yesterday morning in a park in San Cristobal, a city in the northwest of the country.

In a statement sent to Fides news agency, the diocese of San Cristobal said the body showed "signs of violence and stab wounds" and the reason for the killing are unknown.

"The competent authorities are conducting investigations into the case," the statement continued. "Both the bishop, and the family and the presbytery of the Diocese expect the investigation to clarify what happened and to know those responsible for this crime, because they must be brought to justice".

Fr Darwin was ordained in 2010 in the parish of San Agaton of Palmyra. At the time of his death, he was working as assistant pastor of San José de Bolívar. According to Fides, he was known for "his spirit of service, humour and constant joy".

His funeral will take place on April 2 at the church of San Juan Bautista de la Ermita.

Venezuela is a predominately Catholic nation, with approximately 96 per cent of the population identifying with the faith.

The constitution guarantees freedom of religion and the right to practise and profess a faith on the condition that it does not violate public morality, decency, or order.

According to US-based NGO Freedom house, religious freedom is generally respected in the country, though tensions between the government and Catholic Church are high.