Overview
- Speaking in St. Peter’s Square on January 4, the Pope urged guaranteeing Venezuela’s sovereignty and the constitutional rule of law.
- He pressed for respect for human and civil rights and for overcoming violence through paths of justice and peace.
- He called for special attention to the poor who are suffering from Venezuela’s prolonged economic crisis.
- The remarks followed reports of a US attack and the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro, and the Vatican announced no policy action.
- He also voiced solidarity with populations affected by wars and offered prayers for victims of the Crans-Montana tragedy in Switzerland.