In a dramatic appeal for international support, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced on Monday that he has sought the intervention of Pope Leo XIV to help preserve peace in Venezuela. The request comes amid escalating tensions with the United States, which has intensified military operations targeting alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean Sea. Speaking on his weekly state television program, Maduro expressed confidence in the pontiff’s ability to aid Venezuela in achieving stability, referencing a letter he sent to the Vatican. However, details of the correspondence remain undisclosed, and the Venezuelan government has not yet responded to requests for a copy of the document.

The U.S. military’s recent actions, which include four deadly strikes since September, have heightened the conflict in the region. The latest strike on Friday claimed four lives, further intensifying the crisis. President Donald Trump has labeled these operations as part of an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, asserting that drug traffickers are unlawful combatants. This stance has allowed the Trump administration to invoke presidential war powers, bypassing Congressional approval and raising concerns about the potential for further escalation without legislative oversight.

Maduro has consistently framed the U.S. actions as a direct attempt to destabilize his government and force him from power. The Venezuelan leader’s outreach to Pope Leo XIV appears to be a strategic move to garner international sympathy and diplomatic support. By invoking the moral authority of the Vatican, Maduro may hope to counter the narrative of the U.S. campaign and rally global opinion against what he describes as aggressive foreign intervention.

Also Read: Indian Military to Test Drones and Air Defence in October’s ‘Cold Start’ Drill

The situation remains precarious, with the U.S. showing no signs of scaling back its operations. The lack of transparency regarding Maduro’s letter to the Pope adds uncertainty to the diplomatic efforts. As Venezuela grapples with internal challenges and external pressures, the involvement of Pope Leo XIV could potentially open avenues for dialogue, though the Vatican has yet to publicly respond to Maduro’s request.

The unfolding events underscore the complex interplay of international politics, military strategy, and diplomatic maneuvering. Whether the Pope’s involvement can de-escalate tensions or shift the trajectory of U.S.-Venezuela relations remains to be seen, but Maduro’s appeal signals a critical moment in the ongoing crisis.

Also Read: Trump Freezes $400M Taiwan Military Aid During China Trade Talks