The Pope has called on Donald Trump not to use military force to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Leo, the first American Pope, stated that it would be more appropriate for the United States to pursue dialogue or apply economic pressure on Venezuela if the goal is to bring about change.
The Trump administration has considered options to act against what it has portrayed as Maduro’s involvement in drug trafficking, although the Venezuelan president has denied any connection to illegal drug trade.
Asked during a press conference about Trump’s threats to remove Maduro by force, the Pope said: “It is better to seek ways for dialogue, or perhaps pressure, including economic pressure.”
He added that Washington should explore alternatives to achieve change “if that is what they want to do in the U.S.”
The Pope made the remarks while returning from his visit to Turkey and Lebanon, his first foreign trip since assuming this role.
