On cam: Pope issues rare warning to Trump, says ‘don’t invade Venezuela, it’s the people who suffer’

Pope Leo has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to prioritise dialogue over military action as tensions escalate between Washington and Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro. Speaking to reporters aboard his flight back to Rome, the pontiff stressed the need to protect civilians, warning that “it is the people who suffer” when conflicts intensify. The appeal comes amid rising U.S. military activity in the Caribbean, growing fears of potential strikes or even an invasion, and a surge in deadly attacks on suspected “narco-boats.” While Trump confirmed a recent phone call with Maduro, he declined to share details, following his order to close Venezuelan airspace.