Pope Expresses Concern Over Venezuela, Says Principle of Border Non-Violation Has Been Broken

Pope Leo XIV expressed concern on January 9 (local time) regarding the situation following the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in the United States.

Pope Leo XIV. Yonhap News

According to foreign media reports, the Pope met with the diplomatic corps accredited to the Vatican on this day and stated, "The rising tensions in the Caribbean region are a matter of serious concern," adding, "Given recent developments, I am deeply worried about the situation in Venezuela."

The Pope reiterated his appeal to "respect the will of the Venezuelan people, protect their human and civil rights, and guarantee a future of stability and harmony."

The Pope further stated, "What is particularly concerning at the international level is the weakening of multilateralism," and added, "Diplomacy that seeks dialogue and consensus is being replaced by power politics between individuals and groups."

The Pope also remarked, "Even the principle prohibiting the use of force to violate borders, established after World War II, has been broken," and emphasized, "Peace is no longer seen as a desirable good, but rather is being pursued through force to justify one’s own dominance."

The Pope expressed concern that "war is coming back into fashion and the world is filled with the fever of war." Some analysts interpret this as criticism directed at both the Russia-Ukraine war and the United States' push to purchase Greenland.

The Pope also stated, "Violence against Palestinian civilians is increasing in the West Bank," and added, "They have the right to live peacefully on their own land."