Pope appeals for rule of law to be upheld in Venezuela

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV expressed his concern today over recent developments in Venezuela, after United States forces attacked the country yesterday and arrested President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in Caracas, taking them to the US for trial.

Addressing pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square for the midday Angelus, the Pope said: "The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration and lead us to overcome violence and to undertake paths of justice and peace, safeguarding the country's sovereignty, ensuring the rule of law enshrined in the Constitution, respecting the human and civil rights of each person and of all, and working to build together a serene future of collaboration, stability, and concord, with special attention to the poorest who suffer because of the difficult economic situation."

Pope Leo invited everyone to pray for the Venezuelan people, assuring them of his own prayers.

He also entrusted all Venezuelans to the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto, Patroness of Venezuela, St José Gregorio Hernández, and St Carmen Rendiles.

Pope Leo XIV concluded his Angelus appeals with an invitation to trust in the God of peace.

"Let us continue to have faith in the God of peace," he said. "Let us pray and stand in solidarity with the peoples who suffer because of wars."