Pope Leo XIV expressed concern over tensions in the Caribbean and Venezuela

Vatican City, Jan. 10th.- Pope Leo XIV called for political solutions in light of the complex situation currently facing Venezuela following the attack by the United States, as well as tensions in the waters of the Caribbean and the Latin American Pacific.

"I renew my appeal for the will of the Venezuelan people to be respected and for efforts to be directed toward the protection of human and civil rights for all, and the construction of a future of stability and harmony," Leo XIV stated during an audience held yesterday with members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See.

The Supreme Pontiff further expressed that "the increase in tensions in the Caribbean Sea and along the American Pacific coast is also a cause for deep concern," in clear reference to the presence of North American military forces in that area under the pretext of an alleged fight against drug trafficking.

"I wish to renew my vehement appeal for peaceful political solutions to be sought for the current situation, keeping in mind the common good of the peoples and not the defense of partisan interests," added the Bishop of Rome.

The Holy Father lamented that "war is back in fashion and bellicose enthusiasm is spreading. The principle established after World War II, which prohibited countries from using force to violate the borders of others, has been broken."

Amidst the threatening panorama of our time, "the weakness of multilateralism is a cause for special concern at an international level," he signified, as "diplomacy that promotes dialogue and seeks consensus among all parties is being replaced by diplomacy based on force."

Regarding the problems afflicting Caribbean nations, he also referred to "the desperate situation in Haiti," currently affected "by multiple forms of violence, from human trafficking to forced exile and kidnappings."

"I hope that, with the necessary and concrete support of the international community, that country can adopt the necessary measures as soon as possible to restore democratic order, put an end to violence, and achieve reconciliation and peace."

Pope Leo XIV also addressed other serious conflicts affecting humanity, such as those in the Middle East and Ukraine. Regarding the latter, he firmly reaffirmed "the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and for a dialogue motivated by a sincere search for paths leading to peace."

In relation to the situation in the Gaza Strip, he asserted that its population "continues to suffer a grave humanitarian crisis," which adds to the suffering already experienced due to Israel's attacks, which caused the death of more than 70,000 people.

"The Holy See is especially attentive to any diplomatic initiative that seeks to guarantee the Palestinians of the Gaza Strip a future of lasting peace and justice in their own land," he said, noting that "the two-state solution remains the institutional perspective" to satisfy those legitimate aspirations. (Source: Prensa Latina)