American-Born Pope Condemns U.S.-Linked Raid in Venezuela, Urges Peace and Respect for Sovereignty

Pope Leo — an American-born pontiff who holds dual U.S. and Peruvian citizenship — publicly expressed deep concern after a surprise operation in Venezuela captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The pope sharply criticized any escalation and called for protection of Venezuelan sovereignty, an end to violence, and prayers for the victims.

"The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration. This must lead to the overcoming of violence and to the pursuit of paths of justice and peace. I pray for all this, and I invite you to pray too, entrusting our prayer to the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto, and to Saints José Gregorio Hernández and Carmen Rendiles," the pontiff wrote on X in a post viewed more than 1.4 million times.

Maduro gave a thumbs-up while sitting down at Stewart Airport in upstate New York, waiting to be flown by helicopter to Manhattan. / X

Venezuelan officials told The New York Times that the early-Saturday operation, which seized the 63-year-old president and his wife in their home, left at least 40 people dead, including military personnel and civilians. The White House, citing President Trump, said there were no American fatalities and only "few" injuries.

The raid has alarmed governments across Latin America amid comments from President Trump suggesting the operation could presage broader regional action. In the days after the seizure, Trump warned that the United States might take additional measures that could affect neighboring countries; Senator Marco Rubio later sought to downplay an earlier remark that the U.S. would temporarily run Venezuela.

The pope met JD Vance, an enthusiastic catholic, and Marco Rubio last year. / Vatican Pool / Getty Images

Pontiff Calls For Restraint And Sovereignty

Speaking to pilgrims at the Vatican during Sunday prayers, the pope urged that any response prioritize the Venezuelan people, uphold the nation's sovereignty and pursue justice and peace rather than further escalation. "We must not delay in overcoming violence and embarking on paths of justice and peace, while guaranteeing the country’s sovereignty," he told the crowd in St. Peter’s Square, Reuters reported.

The episode intensifies an already visible rift between the American-born pontiff and President Trump. Pope Leo has previously criticized the president’s immigration policies and deportation practices and urged global leaders to act on climate change after Mr. Trump dismissed it as a "con job."

There are also signs of political division within the pope’s own family: his eldest brother, 74-year-old Louis Prevost, has described himself as a "MAGA type" and has been reported to attend social events at Mar-a-Lago, including an appearance where President Trump reportedly said, "I love this guy!"

The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment. Coverage continues as officials and international leaders respond to the unfolding situation in Venezuela.