U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Spoke with Pope Leo XIV's Vatican Diplomat Cardinal Parolin about Venezuela

The capture of President Nicolás Maduro following U.S. strikes in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, by the military of President Donald Trump has caused much alarm globally.

On January 6, the U.S. government released that America's Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See. Parolin was the former Nuncio to Venezuela from 2009-2013.

Full Text Statement: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See. The two leaders discussed pressing challenges, including efforts to improve the humanitarian situation, particularly in Venezuela, as well as the promotion of peace and religious freedom globally. Secretary Rubio and Cardinal Parolin reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation between the United States and the Holy See in addressing shared priorities around the world.

Pope Leo XIV reacted to the Venezuelan attack:

Following the Angelus prayer on Sun. Jan. 4, the pope said: It is with deep concern that I am following the developments in Venezuela.

The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration. his must lead to the overcoming of violence, and to the pursuit of paths of justice and peace, guaranteeing the sovereignty of the country, ensuring the rule of law enshrined in its Constitution, respecting the human and civil rights of each and every person, and working together to build a peaceful future of cooperation, stability and harmony, with special attention to the poorest who are suffering because of the difficult economic situation. I pray for all this, and I invite you to pray too, entrusting our prayer to the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto, and to Saints José Gregorio Hernández and Carmen Rendiles.