Pope Leo XIV advocated on Tuesday for prioritizing dialogue or “even economic pressure” in Venezuela in the face of threats of “invasion” from US President Donald Trump, amid escalating tensions with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro.
On his return flight from Lebanon to Rome, the Pontiff spoke to reporters, addressing the situation in Venezuela. He explained that, at the level of the Episcopal Conference, along with the papal nuncio, he is seeking ways “to calm the situation” and “above all, to seek the good of the people.” “Those who suffer in these situations are the people, not the authorities,” he said.
Leo XIV acknowledged that, despite the conversation between the two leaders, there is “the danger” of “some activity, some operation, even invading Venezuelan territory.”
“I don’t know any more. Again, I think it’s better to look for ways of dialogue, even economic pressure, but looking for another way to bring about change, if that’s what the United States decides to do,” he told reporters.
