Pope Leo Urges US to Avoid Military Incursion in Venezuela, Calls West to Be ‘Less Fearful’ of Immigrants

Pope Leo said the United States should seek alternatives to a military incursion in Venezuela, urging dialogue or targeted economic pressure rather than armed intervention. Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane returning to Rome from Beirut, the pope — who served for years as a missionary and bishop in Peru — warned against any operation to enter Venezuelan territory and urged leaders to look for nonviolent solutions.

Venezuela: Dialogue Over Force

“I truly believe that it is better to look for ways of dialogue, maybe pressure, including economic pressure, but looking another way to change,” Pope Leo told journalists. He noted rising tensions between Washington and Caracas and said church leaders in Venezuela were searching for “ways to calm the situation.” He also referenced recent phone contact between the presidents of the United States and Venezuela and said shifting tones from U.S. voices merit close attention.

Migration and Interfaith Relations

During the in‑flight press conference the pope also urged Europe and North America to be “a little less fearful” of immigrants of different faiths. Asked about Catholics who view Islam as a threat in Europe, Leo acknowledged anxieties but said those fears are often amplified by forces seeking to block immigration and to exclude people from other countries, religions or races.

He pointed to his recent trips to Turkey and Lebanon as proof that friendship and sustained dialogue between Christians and Muslims are possible. “The lessons from Lebanon need to be heard in Europe or North America — that we should perhaps be a little less fearful and look for ways of promoting authentic dialogue and respect,” he said, holding up Lebanon as an example of coexistence.

Europe’s Role in Ukraine Peace Efforts

Pope Leo also emphasized the importance of Europe in shaping any peace plan for Ukraine. He said a proposal initially promoted without European involvement had to be revised because Europe’s presence and input were vital to crafting a workable plan.

Personal Reflections and Spiritual Roots

For the first time since his election earlier this year, Pope Leo described his emotional state when he was chosen. He revealed that “just a year or two ago” he had considered retirement. “I took a deep breath, I said ‘here we go — Lord, you’re in charge, you lead the way,’” he recalled.

On May 8, 2025, the College of Cardinals elected Cardinal Robert Prevost as pope; he took the name Pope Leo and is widely reported to be the first U.S.-born pontiff in the Church’s history. Known for a low‑key, formal public style, Leo said his spirituality is shaped by The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence, a 17th‑century Carmelite lay brother. He described the book as an account of someone who "simply gives his life to the Lord and allows the Lord to lead," and said that practice guided him through difficult years serving in Peru.

Pope Leo said he hopes to visit Algeria soon to follow in the footsteps of Saint Augustine and to promote dialogue between Christian and Muslim communities. His decision to hold an in‑flight press conference continues a modern papal tradition of engaging directly with journalists during trips.