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Pope Urges Respect for Venezuelan Sovereignty After U.S. Seizes Maduro

He presses for nonviolence, rule of law, human rights, with focus on the Venezuelan people.

Overview

  • Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are in U.S. custody in New York on drug and weapons charges, with an arraignment expected as early as Jan. 5.
  • President Donald Trump said U.S. officials would temporarily run Venezuela and sell its oil reserves to other nations until a transition of power can be arranged.
  • The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting for Monday to examine legal and security implications of the U.S. operation.
  • Pope Leo XIV voiced deep concern and called for safeguarding Venezuela’s sovereignty, the rule of law, and the human and civil rights of all.
  • The Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference rejected violence and expressed solidarity with the injured and the families of those reported dead, as officials in Caracas alleged civilian casualties during the raids.