Pope urges Venezuela to overcome violence and uphold sovereignty

Vatican City, January 4, 2026: Pope Leo XIV has appealed for peace, respect for human rights, and the safeguarding of national sovereignty in Venezuela, following recent developments that have shaken the country. Speaking during the midday Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope called on all parties to place the good of the Venezuelan people above every other consideration.

Expressing deep concern over the situation, Pope Leo stressed that the rule of law must be upheld and that the human and civil rights of every person must be respected. He emphasised that justice, peace, and respect for constitutional principles are essential for ensuring stability, collaboration, and social harmony in the country.

“The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail,” the Pope said, urging paths of justice and peace that can help overcome violence and protect the country’s sovereignty. He also drew attention to the suffering of the poorest, particularly in light of the country’s ongoing economic difficulties.

The Pope invited the faithful to pray for the people of Venezuela, assuring them of his personal prayers and spiritual closeness. He entrusted the nation to the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto, Patroness of Venezuela, along with St. José Gregorio Hernández and St. Carmen Rendiles. Concluding his Angelus appeal, Pope Leo urged everyone to place their trust in God, whom he described as the God of peace.

“Let us continue to have faith in the God of peace,” he said, calling on the faithful to pray and to stand in solidarity with all those who suffer because of war and violence.

In a related development, the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference issued a statement responding to events that unfolded in the early hours of 3 January, when United States special forces entered Caracas, struck several military areas of the capital, and arrested Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, at their residence. The couple were taken into custody, transferred to New York, and charged with several felonies.

The bishops expressed the Church’s closeness to the Venezuelan people and called for prayer, unity, and responsible decision-making. They asked God to grant the nation serenity, wisdom, and strength, and voiced solidarity with those who were injured and with the families of those who lost their lives.

Rejecting all forms of violence, the bishops appealed for decisions to be made solely for the good of the Venezuelan people. They urged the faithful to live with renewed hope and fervent prayer for peace, encouraging openness to dialogue, mutual support, and unity for the future of the nation.

Pope urges Venezuela to overcome violence and uphold sovereignty

Latest News