Pope expresses "soul full of concern" for Venezuela
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Pope Leo XIV delivers his Sunday Angelus blessing from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, Vatican, on Jan. 4. Photo: Elisabetta Trevisan - Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images
Venezuela must remain an independent country, Pope Leo XIV said Sunday as he expressed concern for Venezuelans following the U.S. raid and ensuing capture of leader Nicolás Maduro in the South American country.
The big picture: President Trump said Saturday American officials will "run" Venezuela until a "proper transition can take place" following the attack on Caracas to capture Maduro, who's in U.S. custody and faces charges including narcoterrorism.
- Pope Leo noted last month there seemed to be the possibility of U.S. activity that could include "an operation to invade Venezuelan territory" and said it's "better to look for ways of dialogue."
What he's saying: "With a soul full of concern, I follow the developments of the situation in Venezuela," said the first American pope during his Sunday prayer that he delivered in Italian.
- "The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail above all other considerations and lead them to overcome violence and embark on paths of justice and peace, guaranteeing the sovereignty of the country," the 70-year-old Chicago-born pontiff added.
- "Ensuring the rule of law enshrined in the Constitution, respecting the human and civil rights of each person and of all, and working to build together a serene future of collaboration, stability, and concord, with special attention to the poorest who suffer because of the difficult economic situation."
- He also posted about his concerns on X:
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