Pope Leo XIV calls for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty

Pope Leo XIV called for respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty this Sunday, following the United States military attack on the country and the kidnapping of its president, Nicolás Maduro Moros, and his wife, Cilia Flores, Prensa Latina reported.

During the Angelus prayer, held at noon from the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, the pontiff declared that he was following the unfolding events in the South American nation with great concern.

He stated that the well-being of the Venezuelan people should prevail over any other consideration and urged overcoming violence through paths of justice and peace that guarantee national sovereignty.

Vatican News reported on January 3rd that the Venezuelan capital was hit by airstrikes, which damaged military installations and strategic infrastructure, including the Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base, the Fort Tiuna military complex, and the Naval Military Academy.

The report added that the Higuerote Air Base and Airport were also damaged, as well as residential areas in Catia and the 23 de Enero neighborhood of Caracas.

Maduro accused Washington of trying to seize the country’s strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals, and of promoting regime change through what he called a colonial war supported by local oligarchic sectors.

The information service of the Dicastery for Communication of the Holy See noted that the Venezuelan government, along with other Latin American nations, called on the United Nations and the international community to condemn the aggression.

Leo XIV emphasized that the rule of law and civil liberties must be ensured in Venezuela in order to build a future of stability and harmony.

The Pope reiterated on social media that he was following the evolving situation in Venezuela with great concern. The well-being of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail above all other considerations and lead to overcoming violence and embarking on paths of justice and peace, guaranteeing the country’s sovereignty.

Therefore, he urged everyone to pray together, entrusting our prayers to the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto and Saints José Gregorio Hernández and Sister Carmen Rendiles.