Pope Leo has spoken out about the dangers of US military action in overthrowing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and appeared to ask President Trump to prioritize dialogue and diplomatic pressure, according to reports Vatican reports.
The pope’s stirring appeal came as the White House intensified its campaign against Maduro this week, largely over his regime’s alleged involvement in illegal drug trafficking.
“We are trying to find a way to calm the situation, pursuing above all the well-being of the people, because in these situations it is the people who suffer, and not the authorities,” Leo told reporters on a flight home from Lebanon on Tuesday.
Maduro brandishes sword at rally as he rails against ‘imperialist aggression’ amid rising tensions with US
Pope Leo told reporters that there was a danger of a military operation in Venezuela. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
“The signals coming from the United States are changing, and we have to see that. … On the one hand, it seems that a telephone conversation took place between the two presidents; on the other hand, there is a danger, this possibility, that there could be an action, an operation, including an invasion of Venezuelan territory.”
The pope spoke after the US deployed its largest military presence in the Caribbean, including attacks on ships suspected of drug trafficking.
Trump reportedly issued an ultimatum to Maduro in a phone call this week, demanding he immediately surrender power.
Maduro reportedly refused and instead pushed for a “global amnesty” for himself and his allies.
TRUMP REVEALS MADURO ‘WOULD LIKE TO TALK’ AS MILITARY OPTIONS REMAIN ON THE TABLE FOR VENEZUELA
The US has a large military presence off the coast of Venezuela, amid ongoing tensions between President Donald Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. (Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images)
“I believe again that it is better to seek dialogue within these pressures, including economic pressures, but to look for another way to bring about change if that is what the United States decides to do,” the Pope added.
Speaking to 81 reporters aboard the papal plane, he appeared to express concern about rising tensions.
Answering a reporter’s question, Leo also said the U.S. government’s signals about its policy toward Venezuela seemed unclear.
POPE LEO
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he flies on Air Force One from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, to Joint Base Andrews, November 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The 70-year-old Chicago-born pope, who was elected in May after the death of Pope Francis, also used the in-flight news conference to talk about the role of the Holy See, which works “behind the scenes” in peace negotiations so that all sides can lay down their arms.
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He also spoke about the Middle East and the war in Ukraine.
