Pope Urges US to Avoid Military Action Against Venezuela's Maduro

Pope Leo has urged the United States not to pursue military action to remove Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, saying diplomacy and pressure remain the most effective approach.

His comments were made during a press briefing aboard his flight home from a Middle East visit on Dec. 2 and were directed at ongoing discussions within Washington about potential intervention options.

The remarks come as the U.S. intensifies its stance toward Maduro’s administration, accusing the Venezuelan leadership of criminal activity, including narcotics ties and corruption. Maduro rejects the allegations and argues that Washington is attempting to destabilize his government.U.S. President Donald Trump has not ruled out military measures, though recent outreach, including a phone call with Maduro, has created uncertainty around the administration’s strategy.

• Pope Leo Warns U.S. Against Military Action on Venezuela’s Maduro
• Pope Urges Diplomacy Over Force in U.S.–Venezuela Standoff
• Pope Leo Calls for Negotiation, Not Intervention, in Venezuela Crisis

Pope Leo noted the contradictions in the U.S. approach, pointing to alternating signals of diplomacy and force. He said such inconsistency demonstrates the need for restraint and a clear strategy centered on negotiation rather than armed intervention. He added that moves toward regime change through force could trigger instability across Venezuela and the wider Latin America region.

As the first U.S.-born pontiff with decades of experience working in Latin America, Pope Leo’s message carried added weight. He referenced past regional conflicts, saying they serve as examples of how military involvement can escalate tensions instead of resolving political disputes.

Also Read: Slovakia's Overhaul of Whistleblower Office Triggers Pushback

Pope Leo emphasized that international actors should prioritize channels of dialogue, mediation, and targeted economic measures such as sanctions rather than pursuing escalation. He said these tools remain the most viable route for achieving a political outcome and reducing suffering among Venezuelans facing an extended economic and social crisis.