Pope Leo on Jan. 4 urged that Venezuela remain an independent nation and said he was following recent events with a “soul full of concern.”
Speaking in St. Peter’s Square, the first American pope called for respect for human rights and the rule of law as set out in Venezuela’s constitution, and he renewed his plea for nonviolent, lawful solutions.
The pope reiterated his December appeal for restraint and insisted that the welfare of the Venezuelan people must prevail over other considerations.
VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo appealed on Jan. 4 for Venezuela to remain an independent nation and said he was following recent developments with a “soul full of concern,” according to Reuters.
Identified in Vatican announcements as the first American pope, Leo urged respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law “as enshrined” in Venezuela’s constitution. Speaking to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square during his Sunday prayer, he called for calm and a peaceful path forward.
“We must not delay in overcoming violence and embarking on paths of justice and peace, while guaranteeing the country’s sovereignty.”
Vatican observers cited recent reports that the United States had toppled President Nicolas Maduro and that Maduro was being held in a New York detention center awaiting drug charges. U.S. President Donald Trump was reported to have said the United States would take control of oil-rich Venezuela after ordering a raid to capture Maduro. These developments are described in contemporary accounts but remain subject to ongoing reporting and official confirmation.
Pope Leo has previously criticized some of President Trump’s policies and in December urged restraint, asking that Maduro not be removed by military force. Reiterating his concern for the Venezuelan people, the pontiff said their welfare must take precedence over other considerations.
The pope said he would continue to monitor the situation closely and called for international efforts to favor justice, peace and the protection of Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Reporting: Joshua McElwee. Editing: Valentina Za and Elaine Hardcastle. (Based on Reuters reporting.)
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