Pope Leo XIV Urges Peace, Protection of Venezuela’s Sovereignty

Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern on Sunday over the unfolding situation in Venezuela, following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro in Caracas by United States forces on Saturday and his subsequent transfer to New York for trial.

'The welfare of the beloved Venezuelan people must take precedence over all else,' the Pope said during the midday Angelus prayer. 'We must overcome violence, pursue justice and peace, safeguard the country’s sovereignty, uphold the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution, respect the human and civil rights of every individual, and work together to build a future of stability and collaboration, giving particular attention to the poorest, who continue to suffer amid the difficult economic conditions.'

Addressing the crowd in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo invited everyone to keep the Venezuelan people in their prayers and assured them of his own. He also entrusted all Venezuelans to the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto, Patroness of Venezuela, St. José Gregorio Hernández, and St. Carmen Rendiles.

Concluding his appeal, the Pope urged faith in the God of peace: "Let us continue to trust in the God of peace. Let us pray and stand in solidarity with all peoples who suffer as a result of wars.'