Pope Leo XIV arrives to hold an audience with the participants of the Jubilee of Missionaries and Migrants, at the Vatican, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pope Leo XIV arrives to hold an audience with the participants of the Jubilee of Missionaries and Migrants, at the Vatican, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro gives a press conference in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Sept 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jesus Vargas)
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Monday said he has asked Pope Leo XIV to help maintain peace in the South American country.
Maduro’s comments come as the United States military continues to in the waters off Venezuela in what an “armed conflict” with cartels. Maduro said he sought Leo’s help in a letter.
“I have great faith that Pope Leo, as I stated in the letter I sent him, will help Venezuela preserve and achieve peace and stability,” Maduro said during his weekly show on state television.
Maduro did not provide details of the letter. His government’s press office did not immediately respond to a request for a copy of the document.
The in the Caribbean since last month. The latest killed four people on Friday.
The Trump administration has told lawmakers he was treating drug traffickers as unlawful combatants and military force was required to combat them. That assertion of presidential war powers sets the stage for expanded action and raises without .
Maduro has repeatedly said the U.S. military's actions are designed to oust him.
