Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the recitation of the Angelus on January 4, 2026. In his message after the prayer, the pope called for respecting Venezuela’s sovereignty and constitution following the capture by U.S. forces of the country’s President Nicolás Maduro. | Vatican Media
Pope Leo XIV expressed his concern today over recent developments in Venezuela, after United States forces arrested Nicolás Maduro in Caracas on Saturday and brought him to New York for trial.
“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,” said the Pope at the midday Angelus prayer.
Speaking in St. Peter’s Square, 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 urged. “Let us pray and stand in solidarity with the peoples who suffer because of wars.”
Source: Vatican News