VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV on Sunday expressed deep concern over the situation in Venezuela following the U.S. military strikes and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, calling for the welfare of the Venezuelan people to prevail, respect for the country's sovereignty, and protection of human and civil rights.
During his midday Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square on January 4, 2026, the pontiff addressed thousands of pilgrims, stating: “With a heart full of concern, I follow the developments of the situation in Venezuela. The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration.” He urged efforts “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.”
Pope Leo XIV emphasized “respecting the human and civil rights of each person and of all, and working to build together a serene future of collaboration, stability, and concord, with special attention to the poorest who suffer because of the difficult economic situation.” Concluding his appeal, he invited the faithful to pray for Venezuela, entrusting the nation to the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto, the country's patroness, and recently canonized Venezuelan saints José Gregorio Hernández and Sister Carmen Rendiles. He added: “Let us continue to have faith in the God of peace,” extending solidarity to all peoples suffering from wars.
As the first American-born pope, Leo XIV's remarks carry particular weight amid the unprecedented U.S. intervention led by President Donald Trump, a fellow American. Observers noted the pontiff's diplomatic tone, avoiding direct condemnation of the U.S. while firmly upholding principles of sovereignty and non-violence—core tenets of Catholic social teaching and Vatican diplomacy.
On the same day, the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference (Conferencia Episcopal Venezolana) issued a statement expressing solidarity with the Venezuelan people, rejecting all forms of violence, and calling for prayer and unity. The bishops urged perseverance in hope and fervent prayer for peace, while appealing for decisions to prioritize the common good. “We make an appeal to the people of God to live more intensely hope and fervent prayer for peace in our hearts and in society; we reject any kind of violence,” they stated, standing in closeness to those wounded or bereaved.
The papal appeal and bishops' message come one day after the dramatic U.S. operation on January 3, 2026. Venezuelan authorities reported airstrikes on civilian and military installations across multiple states, prompting a declaration of national emergency. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez denounced the actions as aggression targeting the nation's resources.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the "large-scale" strikes, announcing the capture of Maduro and Flores from their residence in Caracas' Fuerte Tiuna complex. The couple was flown to New York, where they face federal charges related to narco-terrorism and drug trafficking based on a 2020 indictment. Trump stated the U.S. would temporarily "run" Venezuela to ensure a "safe transition" and rehabilitate its oil infrastructure, which possesses the world's largest proven reserves.
The operation followed months of escalating U.S. pressure, including sanctions and strikes on alleged trafficking vessels. Maduro, in power since 2013, has consistently denied the accusations and expressed openness to dialogue.
Global reactions remain divided. Allies of Venezuela, including Russia, China, and several Latin American nations, condemned the strikes as violations of sovereignty. Russia urged Maduro's release, while China called for an end to "toppling" governments. In contrast, some opposition figures and leaders like Argentina's Javier Milei welcomed the development as advancing democracy.
European responses were cautious, with France and others stressing international law while noting Maduro's human rights record. Protests against the intervention occurred in cities like Amsterdam and Berlin, while celebrations marked Venezuelan diaspora communities in Miami and Madrid.
The UN Security Council is scheduled for an emergency session on January 5, amid debates over the legality of the action under international norms prohibiting the use of force.
Pope Leo XIV's intervention reflects the Holy See's longstanding engagement with Venezuela's crisis, including humanitarian aid and mediation efforts. As the first U.S. pope, his call for sovereignty and peace underscores the Vatican's neutral stance, prioritizing human dignity amid geopolitical tensions.
