US EditionPope Leo calls for Venezuela to remain an independent country
Pope Leo XIV urged respect for Venezuela's sovereignty, human rights, and rule of law after the U.S. capture of Maduro, calling for peace and justice amid political unrest.
- On January 4, 2026, Pope Leo XIV urged Venezuela to remain an independent nation during his Angelus to pilgrims at St. Peter's Square, framing the appeal as a pastoral concern.
- Following a U.S.-ordered raid to capture President Nicolás Maduro, U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would take control of Venezuela, with Maduro held in a New York detention center.
- Inside Venezuela, Christian leaders said reactions varied, with some expressing elation while the Evangelical Council of Venezuela and Venezuelan Episcopal Conference urged discernment, accompaniment, and prayer for the wounded and families of the dead.
- The pontiff warned that the welfare of the Venezuelan people must prevail and recalled his earlier plea to U.S. President Donald Trump against ousting President Nicolás Maduro by force.
- Emphasizing rights and rule of law, Pope Leo XIV called for respect of human rights as enshrined in the Venezuelan constitution, urged justice and peace, and entrusted the poorest in Venezuela to Our Lady of Coromoto and national saints.
169 Articles
169 Articles
Pope urges restraint after US attack on Venezuela and Maduro arrest
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday urged restraint after a U.S. attack on Venezuela and the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro, saying the welfare of the Venezuelan people must come first. Speaking after the traditional Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff said he was following developments in Venezuela “with deep concern” and called for an end to violence and a renewed commitment to justice and peace. “The good of the beloved Venezuelan people…
Venezuelans’ welfare must come first
Pope Leo XIV has said the welfare of Venezuelans should take precedence over all other interests, following the removal of President Nicolas Maduro in a US-led operation. Speaking after his Angelus prayer at St Peter’s Square on Sunday, the first American pope told the crowd that “the welfare of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over all other considerations.” He said the situation in Venezuela should lead to “overcoming violence and em…
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