Pope Leo says Venezuela should remain an independent country

VATICAN CITY, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Pope Leo called for Venezuela to remain an independent nation and said he was following developments after the United States' toppling of President Nicolas Maduro with a "soul full of concern" on Sunday.

Leo, the first American pope, also called for respect for human rights and the rule of law "as enshrined" in Venezuela's constitution.

"We must not delay in overcoming violence and embarking on paths of justice and peace, while guaranteeing the country's sovereignty," the pope told pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during his Sunday prayer.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday said the U.S. would take control of oil-rich Venezuela after ordering a raid to capture Maduro, who is currently being held in a New York detention center awaiting drug charges.

Leo, who has criticized some of Trump's right-wing policies, in December had urged the U.S. president not to oust Maduro using military force.

"The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration," said the pontiff.

-Joshua McElwee/Reuters

A person holds a Venezuelan flag as government supporters gather after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026. REUTERS/Gaby Oraa TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

One of the helicopters carrying Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores arrives after they were captured overnight in Venezuela by U.S. forces, at the Westside Heliport in New York City, U.S. January 3, 2026. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon

Members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) stand guard, as Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is processed at the DEA office, after he and his wife Cilia Flores were captured overnight in Venezuela by U.S. forces, in New York City, U.S., January 3, 2026. REUTERS/Edward Gratten

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