By Junno Arocho Esteves, OSV News
(OSV News) — Pope Leo XIV expressed “deep concern” following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by the United States in a large-scale attack.
After reciting the Angelus prayer with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square Jan. 4, the pope said the “well-being of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over all other considerations and lead to overcoming violence and pursuing paths of justice and peace.”
Entrusting Venezuela to its patroness, Our Lady of Coromoto, as well as the country’s recently canonized saints — Sts. José Gregorio Hernández and Carmen Rendiles — Pope Leo called on Catholics to pray and highlighted the need to respect Venezuela’s right to autonomy and self-determination.
“This must guarantee the country’s sovereignty, ensure the rule of law enshrined in the Constitution, respect the human and civil rights of all, and work to build together a serene future of collaboration, stability, and harmony, with special attention to the poorest who suffer due to the difficult economic situation,” he said.
After months of tension, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the nighttime military operation Jan. 3, capturing Maduro and his wife, and transporting them to New York to face narco-terrorism conspiracy charges, The Associated Press reported.
According to AP, Venezuelan officials said some people were killed in the U.S. attack but did not disclose the number of casualties.
Junno Arocho Esteves writes for OSV News from Malmö, Sweden.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
