Pope Leo XIV called for Venezuela to remain an independent country, backing respect for human rights around the world a day after the United States conducted an early morning strike in Venezuela and captured Nicolás Maduro.
Maduro and his wife have been indicted on federal drug and weapons charges and are expected to attend an arraignment in New York City as early as Jan. 5, according to multiple media reports. The two reached the United States after being helicoptered out of Venezuelan airspace, sailing to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba via a U.S. Navy ship and then flying to New York by plane.
Leo, the first American pope, said on Jan. 4 he was following the developments in Venezuela as he spoke in St. Peter’s Square, adding specifically that the “sovereignty of the country” must be guaranteed.
Pope Leo XIV told listeners in St. Peter’s Square that he is following the events in Venezuela with “great concern.”
“The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration, and lead to overcoming violence and taking up a journey of justice and peace, guaranteeing the sovereignty of the country, ensuring the rule of law written in the Constitution, and respecting the human and civil rights of all, and working together to build a peaceful future of collaboration, stability and harmony, with special attention to the poorest who suffer because of the difficult economic situation,” Leo said before inviting attendees to join him in prayer.
The pope later shared a similar sentiment on the social media platform X.
The strike on Venezuela and detainment of the country’s leader immediately drew mixed reactions from Venezuelans and people around the world. While some, including many Venezuelans in the United States, cheered Maduro’s removal from power, others worried about the South American country’s future stability.
Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or on Twitter @katecperez_.