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Source: Anadolu Agency
Pope Leo XIV has appealed for an immediate end to violence in Venezuela, urging respect for national sovereignty, the rule of law, and the protection of human and civil rights following recent US military actions and the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Speaking during the Sunday Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square, the Pope expressed concern over the escalating situation, emphasizing that the well-being of the Venezuelan people must take precedence over all political and strategic considerations. He called for justice and peace, stressing the importance of safeguarding Venezuela’s sovereignty and upholding constitutional principles.
The Pope urged all parties to respect the dignity and rights of every individual and to work collectively toward a stable and peaceful future. He highlighted the need for solidarity with the most vulnerable, particularly those suffering due to the country’s prolonged economic hardships.
Concluding his message, Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful to place their trust in God and remain united in prayer for peace, not only for Venezuela but for all nations affected by conflict and war.
In a related development, the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference issued a statement expressing solidarity with the people, rejecting violence, and encouraging unity, prayer, and decisions guided solely by the national interest.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan authorities reported that the United States carried out strikes on civilian and military sites across several regions, prompting a national emergency. US President Donald Trump later confirmed a large-scale operation, stating that President Maduro and his wife had been taken into custody and that Washington would oversee a transitional period.
The crisis follows months of heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, with Maduro rejecting US allegations while maintaining openness to dialogue.