Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep concern over the situation in Venezuela and called for the country’s national sovereignty to be fully respected.
His statement comes a day after a US operation ended with the capture and arrest of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
“With a heart full of concern I follow the evolution of the situation in Venezuela,” the pope said, underscoring that “the good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail above any other consideration.”
Speaking to pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter’s Square for the recitation of the Angelus, Pope Leo insisted on the need to overcome violence and called for “embarking on paths of justice and peace, guaranteeing the country’s sovereignty.”
The Holy Father also pointed to the importance of “ensuring the rule of law enshrined in the Constitution” and of “respecting the human and civil rights of each and every person.”
Australia is home to more than 6,500 Venezuelan-born people, according to the 2021 Census.
The government’s Smart Traveller website has advised against travelling to Venezuela saying the security situation was “unpredictable and may worsen”.
Those in the country should consider leaving if it was safe to, it said.
In a social media post, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government supported international law and a peaceful, democratic transition in Venezuela “that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people”.
“We urge all parties to support dialogue and diplomacy in order to secure regional stability and prevent escalation.
“Australia has long held concerns about the situation in Venezuela, including the need to respect democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Pope Leo’s remarks come at a moment of heightened political and international tension in the South American country.
He invited Catholics to unite in prayer for Venezuela, entrusting this intention “to the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto and of Saints Jose Gregorio Hernandez and Sister Carmen Rendiles,” canonised in 2025.
US President Donald Trump has said a second wave of attacks was planned if forces in the country resisted.
“We are going to govern Venezuela until there is a safe transition,” he said at a press conference.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice has ordered that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assume the presidency due to Mr Maduro’s “forced absence.”
“It is necessary, although difficult, to maintain serenity, peace, and above all, a climate of prayer,” is the appeal of Bishop Juan Carlos Bravo Salazar of Petare, Venezuela.
In a statement released through the diocese’s Instagram account, Bishop Bravo said the country was “experiencing moments of confusion, uncertainty, and pain, in which we do not clearly understand what is happening”.
“Our strength and hope are in the Lord of life and peace.”
The prelate requested that unverified and unconfirmed information not be disseminated.
“Let us stay in communication with one another, among pastoral zones and with our closest collaborators,” he urged.
Bishop Bravo, who has served as Bishop of Petare since January 2022, asked that “the Holy Spirit grant us the necessary graces to make a faithful interpretation of this historical moment and of our reality as disciples and shepherds of the faithful”.
“May God bless us all,” he concluded.
In the early hours of January 3, a US military operation in Caracas led to the capture of Mr Maduro and his wife.
The Venezuelan dictator was transferred to New York, where he has been formally charged with, among other crimes, leading a corrupt government that facilitates drug trafficking and conspiracy.
Mr Trump later announced that the United States would take over the administration of Venezuela “until a proper transition can be implemented.”