Overview
- Vatican officials confirmed a private audience Monday between Pope Leo XIV and María Corina Machado, who asked the pontiff to intercede for Venezuelans still detained or missing.
- A senior White House official said Machado will meet President Trump on Thursday, marking their first face-to-face since the U.S. captured Nicolás Maduro on January 3.
- The Norwegian Nobel Committee and Institute clarified that Machado’s 2025 Peace Prize cannot be revoked, transferred, or shared, closing off her public offer to give it to Trump.
- Trump has not endorsed Machado to lead Venezuela and has questioned her support inside the country, even as he signals the U.S. will steer the transition and energy policy for now.
- Delcy Rodríguez has been sworn in as interim leader in Caracas; officials say dozens of political prisoners have been released as international pressure intensifies.