Pope Leo voices concern, urges safeguarding Venezuela's sovereignty and independence

ST PETER'S SQUARE, VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo on Sunday, January 4, said that he was following developments in Venezuela with “deep concern,” calling for the country’s sovereignty and independence to be protected following the recent US military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.

The remarks marked the first public comments by the US-born pontiff since Washington’s incursion into the South American nation.

Speaking during the traditional Angelus prayer at the Vatican, Pope Leo emphasized the need for justice, peace and respect for constitutional order. His comments come as international reaction continues to mount over the rapidly evolving crisis in Venezuela.

Pope calls for protection of the vulnerable

Addressing pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo said that the future of Venezuela must prioritize the welfare of its people over political or strategic considerations.

“The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration,” he said. 

The pontiff called for a path forward that would safeguard the country’s independence and legal framework.

He urged a journey of “justice and peace guaranteeing the sovereignty of the country, ensuring the rule of law written in the Constitution and respecting human and civil rights of all and working together to build a peaceful future of collaboration, stability and harmony.”

Leo also highlighted the humanitarian toll of Venezuela’s prolonged crisis, drawing attention to the country’s economic collapse.

He appealed for concern for “the poorest who suffer because of the difficult economic situation,” noting that Venezuela’s economy now stands at just 28% of its 2013 level, according to data from the International Monetary Fund.

Before becoming pope, he spent more than two decades working in Peru, where he was closely involved in assisting refugees and migrants fleeing Venezuela’s economic and political turmoil while serving as Bishop of Chiclayo in northern Peru.

Last October, Maduro said that he had written to the pope seeking assistance in maintaining peace in the country.

The Catholic Church in Venezuela has repeatedly sought to ease tensions through dialogue and nonviolent means and maintains an influential presence within the Vatican’s diplomatic apparatus.

Vatican reaction unfolds amid international fallout

Pope Leo’s remarks came as global reaction continues to unfold following the US-led operation, named 'Operation Absolute Resolve', which resulted in Maduro’s capture and transfer to US custody.

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that US forces had conducted overnight strikes across Venezuela before detaining Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and flying them out of the country.

Trump has since said the United States will “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” is achieved, without providing a timeline.

He also said senior US officials would assist in overseeing the country and that American companies would be involved in rebuilding Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.

The operation has drawn sharply divided reactions worldwide.

Some leaders, including those in Argentina, Ecuador and Israel, have welcomed the move, while others, including China, Russia, Brazil, Cuba and Mexico, have condemned it as a violation of international law.