Pope Leo XIV stated on Tuesday that it is always better to seek dialogue, even 'economic pressure', to effect change in Venezuela, rather than the threats issued by US President Donald Trump. He made these remarks to journalists upon his return from a trip to Lebanon.
«Voices coming from the United States change frequently, so one must observe, but it seems there has been a conversation. On the other hand, there is the danger, the possibility of some activity, an operation, even an invasion of the territory. I know nothing more,» the pontiff said to the group of Spanish-speaking journalists traveling with him on the papal plane, including EFE.
«But I believe it is always better to seek ways of dialogue or pressure, perhaps economic pressure, but aiming for another way to change, if that is indeed what the United States wants to do,» he added.
He informed that «at the level of the episcopal conference and with the nuncio (in Venezuela)» they are «seeking ways to calm the situation for the good of the people, because they are the ones who suffer the situation, not the authorities».
Since September, the United States has maintained a naval and air deployment in the waters of the Caribbean near Venezuela, under the pretext of combating drug trafficking. It has also linked Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to the «Cartel of the Suns», a group allegedly involved in drug trafficking, which it designated as a terrorist organization on November 24. In this context, Washington has reported attacks on two dozen alleged drug trafficking boats and the deaths of more than 80 crew members.
On November 21, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urged «extreme caution» when flying over Venezuela and the southern Caribbean due to what it considers a «potentially dangerous» situation in the area. Three days ago, US President Donald Trump warned of a complete closure of Venezuelan airspace.
