VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo called for Venezuela to remain an independent nation and said he was following developments after the US’ 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.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s toppled leader Nicolas Maduro was in a New York detention center on Sunday awaiting drug charges.
Maduro, who wished his captors a “Happy New Year” on arrival, is due to appear in a Manhattan court on Monday.
