Pope Leo XIV has voiced profound apprehension for Venezuela following the dramatic capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, by United States special forces. The pontiff's plea for peace stands in stark contrast to former US President Donald Trump's celebration of the operation's 'violence'.
Pontiff's Plea for Peace and Justice
In a message posted on social media platform X on Sunday, the Pope wrote that he was 'following the developments in Venezuela with deep concern'. He emphasised that 'the good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration'.
His statement called for a move away from aggression, urging the pursuit of 'paths of justice and peace' and confirming his prayers for the nation. This intervention comes just one month after he privately advised Trump to use dialogue or economic pressure, rather than violent force, to address the crisis.
The Daring Raid and Conflicting Reactions
The operation, which unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, saw US Army Delta Force soldiers seize Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their Caracas compound. They were swiftly extradited to face drug trafficking charges detailed in a New York indictment.
Trump enthusiastically described watching the raid 'like I was watching a television show', praising the 'speed' and 'violence' of his troops during an appearance on Fox & Friends. However, Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab reported that 'innocents' were 'mortally wounded' during the incursion, which saw explosions rip across the capital.
International Condemnation and Legal Charges
The United Nations stated it was 'deeply alarmed' by the US strikes, warning the escalation set a 'dangerous precedent' and likely violated international law. A host of global leaders have similarly condemned the unilateral military action.
The indictment against Maduro accuses him of leading a 'corrupt, illegitimate government' that used state power to promote drug trafficking, allegedly moving 250 tons of cocaine through Venezuela by 2020 in partnership with violent cartels. Trump has declared the US will govern Venezuela indefinitely, suggesting its vast oil reserves could fund the country's revival—a move critics say reveals an economic motive behind the intervention.
