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The Pope has advised Donald Trump against attempting to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro through military action.
Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, suggested that Washington should instead pursue dialogue or apply economic pressure if it seeks change in Venezuela.
The Trump administration has been exploring ways to address what it claims is Mr. Maduro's involvement in the drug trade responsible for American deaths. Maduro, however, denies any connections to illegal drugs.
At a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, alongside President Trump, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the US had paused strikes because locating drug boats was challenging, though operations against drug traffickers would continue.
When asked about Trump’s threats to remove Maduro by force, the Pope emphasized that seeking dialogue or alternative pressures, including economic measures, would be preferable. He also noted that the US should explore other means to achieve its goals.
The Pope made these remarks while returning from his first overseas trip to Turkey and Lebanon.
Maduro has declared that Venezuelans are prepared to defend their nation as the US considers a potential land attack. He held a rally in Caracas amid rising tensions, with Trump’s administration targeting boats allegedly transporting drugs.
Trump met with his national security team on Monday evening, having previously indicated that land strikes could begin “very soon.” While the specifics of the meeting remain unconfirmed, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that several options are available to the president.
US forces have carried out at least 21 strikes on boats believed to be carrying narcotics to the US over recent months.
Maduro, regarded by many in the West as a dictator, stated that Venezuelans are ready to defend the country and work toward peace. He also described the previous 22 weeks as psychological aggression, labeling the boat attacks—which have killed over 80 people—as murder, and asserting that the real goal of Trump’s actions is to remove him and gain access to Venezuela’s oil.
