Pope Leo XIV has called on US President Donald Trump to refrain from using military force to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, urging Washington to pursue dialogue rather than an intervention that could deepen the country’s crisis. His appeal comes amid heightened tensions following a series of US military operations in the Caribbean and Pacific.

The Trump administration has intensified its campaign against Maduro, accusing him of links to drug-trafficking networks, allegations the Venezuelan president has strongly denied. The US has deployed its largest military presence in the Caribbean since the 1989 invasion of Panama and has carried out 21 strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats, killing at least 83 people.

Washington reportedly delivered an ultimatum to Maduro in a recent phone call, demanding he step down immediately; Maduro refused, insisting on a “global amnesty” for himself and his allies.

Speaking to reporters aboard the papal flight returning from Turkey and Lebanon, Pope Leo said the Catholic Church was actively seeking ways to ease tensions because “in these situations it is the people who suffer, not the authorities.” He warned of the “danger” that the crisis could escalate into direct US military action, including a possible invasion of Venezuelan territory.

Pope calls for talks

The pontiff said that if the US genuinely wanted "political change" in Venezuela, it should “seek dialogue, including economic pressure,” rather than resorting to force. His remarks mark one of the strongest interventions yet from the Catholic Church on the Venezuelan crisis.

During the flight, the Chicago-born pope, elected in May following the death of Pope Francis, also criticized anti-migrant activists who fuel fears of Islam, highlighting Lebanon’s interfaith cooperation as an example for Europe and the US. Reflecting on his election, Leo said he gradually realized during the conclave that he might be chosen, adding, “I took a deep breath. I said, ‘Here we go, Lord, you’re in charge, and you lead the way’.”

Pope Leo said his next major foreign trip may be to Africa, with Algeria under consideration. His six-day visit to Turkey and Lebanon was dedicated to urging regional peace against a backdrop of mounting global conflict, warning at the start of his journey that a world war was being fought “piecemeal,” threatening humanity’s future.

US escalates its anti-Venezuela campaign

This comes as the United States continues to escalate its campaign against Venezuela, with the alleged aim of curbing drug trafficking into the country.

On November 29, US President Donald Trump declared that the airspace over and around Venezuela is to be treated as completely closed, posting on Truth Social a message directed at airlines, pilots, drug traffickers, and human traffickers, urging them to consider the entire airspace above and surrounding Venezuela off-limits and warning that this restriction is to be enforced.

This follows remarks made by Trump, warning on November 27 that US operations against Venezuelan drug trafficking "by land" would begin very soon, claiming, "We've almost stopped — it's about 85% stopped by sea. The land is easier, but that's going to start very soon."

The closure declaration follows a substantial US military deployment to the Caribbean, the largest in decades. The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, including advanced fighter jets, warships, and over 15,000 personnel, entered the region in mid-November. Strategic B-52 bombers have also flown near Venezuelan territory, including a high-profile flight near Caracas on November 24.