In a significant diplomatic intervention, Pope Leo has made a direct appeal to the Trump administration, urging it to refrain from using military force to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
A Pontiff's Direct Appeal
The appeal was made public on Tuesday 2 December 2025, as the pontiff was flying home from his first overseas trip. Pope Leo, the first American pope and a figure familiar with Latin American affairs, suggested that alternative measures like dialogue or economic sanctions would be more appropriate for the United States to instigate change in the troubled South American nation.
His remarks highlighted the unclear signals emerging from Washington regarding its policy towards Venezuela. He specifically referenced both a past phone call between US President Donald Trump and Maduro, and the inherent dangers of military operations.
The Context of the Crisis
The US administration has been considering a range of measures regarding Venezuela, including potential actions to overthrow President Maduro. These considerations are based on allegations of the leader's involvement in supplying illicit drugs, accusations which Maduro steadfastly denies.
Pope Leo's intervention places a spotlight on the ethical and practical dimensions of foreign intervention. By advocating for non-military solutions, he emphasises a path of diplomacy and pressure over armed conflict.
Implications and the Path Forward
This direct appeal from the head of the Catholic Church to a major world power underscores the international concern surrounding the Venezuelan crisis. It presents a clear moral argument against escalation, advocating for strategies that prioritise peaceful resolution.
The pope's unique position as a Latin America-knowledgeable, American-born spiritual leader lends considerable weight to his counsel. His statement serves as a reminder of the potential human cost of military action and reinforces the call for a coherent, principled international response to complex geopolitical disputes.
