Dec. 2 (UPI) — Pope Leo XIV spoke out Tuesday on migrant issues and rising tension between the United States and Venezuela.
The pontiff hinted at danger and “signals” of threats of possible U.S. military intervention and “invasion” of Venezuela on his return trip to Rome from Lebanon, saying “so we must see.”
“On the one hand, it seems there has been a telephone conversation between the two presidents,” he told reporters on board. “On the other hand, there is this danger, this possibility, that there could be an action, an operation.”
Leo ended his nearly week-long trip in Beirut at a waterfront mass that drew at least 150,000 worshippers.
On Tuesday, the Roman Catholic Church head addressed a number of global topics.
The U.S.-born Leo stated his belief it’s better to “seek dialogue” with the government of Venezuela’s strongman President Nicolas Maduro.
“I know that in Europe, there are many times fears that are present but often times generated by people who are against immigration and trying to keep out people who may be from another country, from another religion, from another race,” he continued.
Pope Leo added the church’s Conference of Bishops was attempting to “calm” the widening diplomatic imbroglio in South America.
He said that in Europe “and North America, we should perhaps be a little less fearful and look for ways for promoting authentic dialogue and respect.”
