Pope Leo XIV defends Venezuela’s sovereignty

Amid the escalation of tension caused by the direct intervention of the United States in Venezuela, Pope Leo XIV spoke out this Sunday (4) in defense of the sovereignty of the South American country. In St. Peter’s Square, the leader of the Catholic Church argued that the “well-being of Venezuelans must prevail” and called for the institutional integrity and autonomy of the nation to be guaranteed.

The Vatican’s position comes at a critical moment, following the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro by US forces — an act classified by several international organizations and progressive leaders as a flagrant violation of International Law. Maduro was taken to New York, where Donald Trump’s government intends to take him to federal court on charges of “narcoterrorism”, a legal device frequently used by Washington to persecute political leaders who do not bow to its interests.

Trump Threats and Institutional Resistance

While the Pope calls for peace and respect for sovereignty, the tone in the White House remains belligerent. Donald Trump has already admitted the possibility of a “second military offensive” against Venezuela, if he deems it necessary. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, reinforced the imperialist stance by stating that the US will only work with Venezuelan authorities who “make the right decisions” — which, in practice, means total subordination to US interests.

Internally, Venezuelan institutions seek to maintain constitutional order. The Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) of Venezuela determined that the vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, assume the interim presidency of the country to guarantee administrative continuity in the face of the vacuum caused by Maduro’s kidnapping.

Pope Leo XIV’s appeal adds to the voices that see Venezuelan sovereignty as the only way to resolve conflicts, rejecting the use of force and the imposition of puppet governments by Washington’s military power.