Pope Leo XIV voiced deep worry Sunday over the unfolding crisis in Venezuela, calling on the world to put the well-being of ordinary citizens above all else.
Speaking during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff reacted to the recent U.S. military action that led to Nicolás Maduro’s detention.
Call for Peace and Rights
The Pope appealed for an end to violence and a transition guided by justice. “I follow events in Venezuela with a heavy heart,” he said. “The needs of the Venezuelan people must come first, beyond any other interest.”
He stressed three essentials:
- Respect for national self-determination
- Upholding constitutional principles
- Defending the dignity and freedoms of every person
Preference for Dialogue
Since becoming Pope in May 2025, Leo XIV has consistently advocated talking over force in Latin American disputes. While accepting economic tools for change, he cautioned that armed intervention often hurts the weakest the most. True stability, he said, grows from fairness, not chaos.
Prayer for the Nation
The pontiff wrapped up by asking Catholics everywhere to pray for Venezuelans, hoping for unity and cooperation in the days ahead.
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