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Pope Leo XIV Grants Surprise Audience to Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado

The private audience signals Vatican concern over Venezuela’s crisis, emphasizing sovereignty and civil protections.

Overview

  • The Holy See confirmed the meeting by adding it to the Vatican’s daily bulletin after it was not pre-announced.
  • María Corina Machado is on an international tour following her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance in Norway.
  • Pope Leo XIV has voiced deep concern over Venezuela and urged respect for human and civil rights along with the country’s independence.
  • U.S. forces previously captured Nicolás Maduro in Caracas and transferred him to New York to face federal drug-trafficking charges.
  • Reporting indicates Delcy Rodríguez has assumed control in Caracas as many opposition leaders, including Machado, remain in exile or prison.