Pope Leo urges US not to attempt military ouster of Venezuela's Maduro

Pope Leo XIV looks on, on the day he presides over the Holy Mass at the Waterfront, during his first apostolic journey, in Beirut, Lebanon December 2, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Pope Leo urged U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday not to try to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro using military force.

Leo, the first U.S. pope, said it would be better to attempt dialogue or impose economic pressure on Venezuela if Washington wants to pursue change there.