At his Sunday Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV voiced grave concern for the situation unfolding in Venezuela, calling on all parties to reject violence and place the good of the Venezuelan people above all political interests.
According to Vatican News, the Pope’s appeal followed the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by United States forces in Caracas and his subsequent transfer to New York, where he faces multiple criminal charges.
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Speaking to the faithful gathered in the square, Pope Leo emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved through justice rooted in respect for human dignity. “The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration,” the Pope said, urging 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, respecting the human and civil rights of each person and of all.”
The Holy Father stressed that particular attention must be given to those most affected by the country’s prolonged instability. He spoke of the need to build “a serene future of collaboration, stability, and concord, with special attention to the poorest who suffer because of the difficult economic situation,” according to Vatican News.
Pope Leo also invited Catholics around the world to unite in prayer for Venezuela, assuring the nation of his personal spiritual closeness. He entrusted the country to the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto, Patroness of Venezuela, as well as St. José Gregorio Hernández and St. Carmen Rendiles, commending the people to God’s protection during a moment of uncertainty.
Concluding his appeal, the Pope called on the faithful not to lose hope amid global turmoil. “Let us continue to have faith in the God of peace,” he said, adding an invitation to pray and stand in solidarity “with the peoples who suffer because of wars.”
In a separate response to the unfolding events, the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference issued a statement expressing closeness to the nation and calling for unity rooted in prayer. According to Vatican News, the bishops asked God to grant Venezuelans “serenity, wisdom, and strength,” while affirming solidarity with those injured and with families mourning the dead.
The bishops also issued a clear rejection of violence, urging the faithful to persevere in hope and prayer. They appealed for decisions to be made “always for the good of our people,” emphasizing peace, mutual support, and the moral responsibility to safeguard human life and dignity.
As tensions continue, the Church’s voice remains one of prayerful witness, calling leaders and citizens alike to choose peace, justice, and trust in God during one of Venezuela’s most critical moments.
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So much concern for peace and non violence without acknowledging the fact that violence, corruption, death, destruction and poverty is what the dictators of Venezuela have brought to the country. This event should be a sign of hope for all the citizens of Venezuela who have suffered through this for over a decade with no end in site. I pray that they will take advantage of this opportunity to stand together and restore democracy and freedom.