Pope Leo Urges Dialogue Over Military Action in Venezuela

Pope Leo has called on the United States to seek alternatives to military intervention in Venezuela, advocating dialogue and economic pressure rather than any incursion. The first American pope made his remarks during an in-flight press conference on Tuesday, returning to Rome from Beirut.

“It seems there is the possibility that there be some activity, even an operation to invade Venezuelan territory,” Pope Leo said. “I truly believe that it is better to look for ways of dialogue, maybe pressure, including economic pressure, but looking another way to change, if that is what they want to do in the United States.”

The pope’s comments come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas. Church leaders in Venezuela, he said, are seeking ways to calm the situation. He also noted recent communications between U.S. President Donald Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, emphasizing the need to carefully monitor the evolving situation.

Maduro, indicted in the United States for allegedly leading the Cartel de los Soles, was warned in a phone call late last month with President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio that he had only a narrow window to leave the country safely with his immediate family.