Pope Leo XIV Proposes Dialogue with Venezuela Against US Military Escalation
Pope Leo XIV has called for restraint and dialogue in response to growing US military activity in the Caribbean, warning that “violence will not bring victory” amid escalating tension between Washington and Caracas.
Speaking briefly to reporters outside his Castel Gandolfo residence on Tuesday, the pontiff said while nations have the right to defend peace, recent developments appeared to be moving in the opposite direction.
“In this case, however, it seems a bit different. It increases tension,” the 70-year-old pope said, referring to reports that US naval vessels had drawn closer to the Venezuelan coast.
“I think that with violence we don’t win. The thing to do is to seek dialogue.”
Although he did not directly mention US President, Donald Trump, the pope’s remarks come as Washington expands its military presence in the Caribbean.
In recent weeks, US forces have launched strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels, resulting in multiple deaths.
Trump has dismissed speculation of a planned intervention in Venezuela, where President Nicolás Maduro — wanted in the United States on drug-trafficking charges — has accused Washington of seeking “regime change” to control the country’s oil resources.
Responding to another question about the treatment of migrants in his native city of Chicago, the pope expressed concern over the plight of immigrants detained under strict US immigration policies.
“Jesus says very clearly at the end of the world, we’re going to be asked, how did you receive the foreigner, did you receive him and welcome him or not,” Leo XIV said.
He added that many long-term residents without criminal records had been “deeply affected” by recent enforcement actions. “I think there is a deep reflection that needs to be made in terms of what’s happening,” he noted.
In September, the pope, who previously served as a missionary in Peru, condemned what he described as the “inhuman treatment” of migrants in the United States, urging governments to adopt compassion and justice in their policies.
