Pope Leo XIV issued an appeal for peace and the rule of law on Sunday, responding to the escalating crisis in Venezuela following U.S. military strikes and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Speaking to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square during the Angelus prayer, the pontiff emphasized that “the good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration and lead us to overcome violence and to undertake paths of justice and peace, safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, ensuring the rule of law enshrined in the Constitution.”
The Pope further called for “respecting the human and civil rights of each person and of all, and working to build together a serene future,” concluding his remarks by urging trust in “the God of peace” and solidarity with all suffering from conflict. His appeal aligns with a statement from Venezuela’s Bishops’ Conference, which also rejected violence and called for unity.