Pope Leo has called for Venezuela to maintain its independence following the recent capture of President Nicolás Maduro by US forces under orders from US President Donald Trump. In a significant foreign policy address delivered on Friday, the Pope criticized the use of military force to achieve diplomatic objectives and emphasized the need for the protection of human rights in the country.
María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader and former National Assembly member, has been at the forefront of Venezuela’s political landscape. She was barred from participating in the country’s 2024 general election by authorities aligned with Maduro. Machado supported a substitute candidate, who was believed to have won the election, although Maduro declared himself the victor. Independent observers noted irregularities in the official results, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
Machado’s Journey and International Recognition
Machado recently concluded a tour of Europe and made a public appearance in December after spending nearly a year in hiding. She accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway, which has elevated her status among supporters as a beacon of hope for political change in Venezuela. Throughout her political career, she has been vocal about her support for international intervention, including praising Trump’s military actions aimed at ousting Maduro.
Despite this support, Trump has expressed skepticism regarding Machado’s viability as a successor. He stated that she lacks the necessary “support” and “respect” within Venezuela to effectively govern. Nonetheless, recent comments from Trump indicate that a meeting between him and Machado might be on the horizon, which could further impact the political landscape in Venezuela.
The Pope’s comments come at a crucial time as Venezuela continues to face significant political and social challenges. His emphasis on peace and human rights aims to encourage dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis. As international attention remains focused on Venezuela, the dynamics between its leaders and the role of foreign powers will continue to evolve.
