Pope Leo XIVcalled for Venezuela to remain an independent country, backing respect for human rights around the world a day after the United States conducted anearly morning strike in Venezuelaand capturedNicolás Maduro.
Maduro and his wife have beenindicted on federal drug and weapons chargesand are expected to attend an arraignment in New York City as early as Jan. 5, according to multiple media reports. The tworeached the United Statesafter being helicoptered out of Venezuelan airspace, sailing to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba via a U.S. Navy ship and then flying to New York by plane.
Leo, the first American pope, said on Jan. 4 he was following the developments in Venezuela as he spoke in St. Peter's Square, adding specifically that the "sovereignty of the country" must be guaranteed.
Reactions to the United States' bombing of Venezuela and capture of the country's president Nicolás Maduro ranged across the world. Some celebrated the operation while others rebuked Trump's intervention in the South American country. See the reactions in photos, beginning here with Venezuelans living in Chile celebrating in Santiago on January 3, 2026." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
See reactions after US explosions in Venezuela, Maduro capture
Reactions to theUnited States' bombing of Venezuela and capture of the country's president Nicolás Maduroranged across the world. Some celebrated the operation while others rebuked Trump's intervention in the South American country. See the reactions in photos, beginning here with Venezuelans living in Chile celebrating in Santiago on January 3, 2026.
More:Maduro rejected US offers to leave Venezuela, Rubio says. Live updates.
What didPope Leo XIVsay about Venezuela?
Pope Leo XIV told listeners in St. Peter's Square that he is following the events in Venezuela with "great concern."
"The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration, and lead to overcoming violence and taking up a journey of justice and peace, guaranteeing the sovereignty of the country, ensuring the rule of law written in the Constitution, and respecting the human and civil rights of all, and working together to build a peaceful future of collaboration, stability and harmony, with special attention to the poorest who suffer because of the difficult economic situation," Leo said before inviting attendees to join him in prayer.
The pope later shared a similar sentiment on thesocial media platform X.
It is with deep concern that I am following the developments in Venezuela. The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration. This must lead to the overcoming of violence, and to the pursuit of paths of justice and peace. I pray for all this,…
— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex)January 4, 2026
The strike on Venezuela and detainment of the country's leader immediately drew mixedreactions from Venezuelans and people around the world. While some, including many Venezuelans in the United States, cheered Maduro's removal from power, others worried about the South American country's future stability.
Explained:Why did the US attack Venezuela and capture Nicolás Maduro?
Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or on Twitter @katecperez_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Pope Leo XIV has 'deep concern,' calls for independent Venezuela
