Pope Leo XIV urged President Donald Trump to de-escalate tensions with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, saying he should return to dialogue and only use nonviolent pressure.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Leo expressed concern about developments between the United States and Venezuela, fearing a military escalation between the two.
Pope Leo XIV talks to reporters aboard an airplane as he returns from a six-day visit to Turkey and Lebanon, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. (Alessandro Di Meo/Pool Photo via AP)
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“I believe it’s better to look for ways of dialogue, perhaps pressure, including economic pressure, but looking for other ways to change, if that’s what the United States wants to do,” the pope said.
He wasn’t entirely negative, however, noting with promise that Trump and Maduro had
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