Pope Leo says Venezuela should remain an independent country

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo called for Venezuela to remain an independent nation and said he was following developments after the United States' toppling of President Nicolas Maduro with a "soul full of concern" on Sunday.

Leo, the first American pope, also called for respect for human rights and the rule of law "as enshrined" in Venezuela's constitution.

"We must not delay in overcoming violence and embarking on paths of justice and peace, while guaranteeing the country's sovereignty," the pope told pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during his Sunday prayer.

He also called for ensuring the rule of law and “respecting human and civil rights of each person and of all” in Venezuela.

“…working to build together a serene future of collaboration, stability, and concord, with special attention to the poorest who suffer because of the difficult economic situation,” the Pope continued.

He also entrusted all Venezuelans to the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto, Patroness of Venezuela, St. José Gregorio Hernández, and St. Carmen Rendiles, the Vatican News reported.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said the US would take control of oil-rich Venezuela after ordering a raid to capture Maduro, who is currently being held in a New York detention center awaiting drug charges.

Leo, who has criticized some of Trump's right-wing policies, in December had urged the US president not to oust Maduro using military force.

"The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration," said the pontiff.

Also during his pre-Angelus address, the Pope gave his Christmas wishes to the tourists and pilgrims, reminding them that the Jubilee Year 2025 will conclude on January 6, or the Feast Day of Epiphany.

The Pope will preside over the closing of the Porta Santa (Holy Door) of the St. Peter’s Basilica on Tuesday. The other Holy Doors at Rome’s four major Basilicas of St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Paul in Lateran were closed on separate days before the New Year. — Reuters with a report from Andy Peñafuerte III