Maduro Seeks Vatican Mediation Amid US-Venezuela Tensions

In a bid to navigate escalating tensions, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced on Monday that he has reached out to Pope Leo XIV, seeking his intervention to maintain peace within the nation.

Maduro's plea comes amidst intense military actions by the United States targeting Venezuelan waters, actions which President Trump has positioned as part of an ongoing armed conflict with drug cartels. Maduro expressed his hopes during a broadcast on state television, emphasizing the potential role Pope Leo could play in stabilizing the situation.

While Maduro maintained optimism, details of his correspondence with the Pope remain undisclosed, with his press office withholding comment. Concurrently, the US military continues its operations, fueling further discourse on the use of presidential war powers absent Congressional consent.

(With inputs from agencies.)