Pope Leo has cautioned the United States against pursuing a military option in Venezuela, urging Washington to consider “another way” of addressing the crisis.
The pontiff, who previously served for years in Peru as a missionary and bishop, made the remarks while speaking with journalists aboard the papal plane returning to Rome from Beirut on Tuesday.
Responding to concerns about potential U.S. action, Leo noted, “It seems there is the possibility that there be some activity, even an operation to invade Venezuelan territory.” He stressed that dialogue and economic pressure would be preferable paths for any intended change by the United States. “I truly believe that it is better to look for ways of dialogue, maybe pressure, including economic pressure, but looking another way to change, if that is what they want to do in the United States.”
His intervention comes amid growing friction between Washington and Caracas. According to Leo, church leaders in Venezuela are actively seeking “ways to calm the situation.” He also pointed to recent phone communication between U.S. President Donald Trump and Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, adding that “the voices that come from the US change, with some frequency sometimes, one needs to see.”
During the wide-ranging airborne press conference, the pope also addressed migration, urging Western nations to be less alarmed about immigrants of different faiths.
When asked about Catholics who view Islam as a threat in Europe, Leo acknowledged their concerns but said such fears are often fueled by anti-immigration sentiment.
He emphasized that his trips to Turkey and Lebanon demonstrated that “dialogue and friendship between Muslims and Christians is possible,” highlighting Lebanon as a model of coexistence.
He said such lessons should be “heard in Europe or North America, that we should perhaps be a little less fearful and look for ways of promoting authentic dialogue and respect.”
His comments came shortly after Trump floated the possibility of permanently banning immigration from what he termed “third world countries.”
Turning to global conflicts, Leo underscored Europe’s necessary role in shaping peace efforts for Ukraine, noting that ongoing discussions between U.S. officials and Russian President Vladimir Putin should not exclude European involvement.
He recalled that early strategies had to be changed in response to European input, explaining that “the presence of Europe is important and that first plan was modified also because of what Europe was saying.”
Reflecting on his surprise election as pope on May 8, 2025, Leo opened up for the first time about his feelings at the time.
The 70-year-old revealed that he had considered retirement just a few years earlier, saying, “What was it like? I resigned myself to the fact when I saw how things were going that it could be a reality… I took a deep breath, I said ‘here we go Lord you’re in charge, you lead the way.’”
He also expressed a desire to visit Algeria soon, both to walk in the spiritual footsteps of Saint Augustine, founder of his religious order and to advance Christian-Muslim dialogue.
Throughout his travels, Leo has shown a quieter and more formal public presence compared to his predecessor, despite maintaining similar priorities.
Nevertheless, he has demonstrated moments of warmth, sharing light conversations with journalists on a recent flight to Turkey, speaking about Wordle, celebrating Thanksgiving with American reporters, and accepting pumpkin pies on board.
Responding to perceptions that he is difficult to read, Leo recommended a spiritual text that he said captures his inner life: The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.
The book describes a person who “simply gives his life to the Lord and allows the Lord to lead.” Leo said, “if you want to know something about me, that’s been my spirituality for many years,” adding that this outlook strengthened him during “years of terrorism” in Peru and throughout his pastoral assignments.
His latest in-flight press conference continues a tradition embraced by recent popes, including Pope Francis, who often used such occasions for significant pastoral and political commentary.
