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Pope Leo expressed his deep concern over the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during his Sunday prayer in St. Peter's Square. The first American pope urged respect for Venezuela's sovereignty, emphasizing the need for justice and peace. "We must not delay in overcoming violence and embarking on paths of justice and peace, while guaranteeing the country's sovereignty," he said, according to The Catholic Register.
President Donald Trump ordered the military operation on Saturday, capturing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas. They were transported to New York to face charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy. The operation has drawn mixed reactions worldwide, with some praising the move and others criticizing it as a violation of international law.
Pope Leo, who has previously criticized some of President Trump's policies, had urged the U.S. to seek dialogue rather than military action. He called on Catholics to pray for Venezuela and entrusted the country to its patroness, Our Lady of Coromoto, and its saints, St. José Gregorio Hernández and St. Carmen Rendiles. Vatican News reported that the pope emphasized the importance of respecting human and civil rights and working towards a future of stability and harmony.
The Venezuelan Bishops' Conference also issued a statement urging prayer and unity among Venezuelans, expressing solidarity with those affected by the recent events. They called for decisions to be made for the well-being of the Venezuelan people and rejected any form of violence.
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