The Vatican is navigating a delicate diplomatic situation in Venezuela, as evidenced by a recent meeting between Pope Leo XIV and opposition leader María Corina Machado. Beyond the Pope’s public appeals for a peaceful resolution to the country’s political crisis, reports indicate the Holy See was involved in confidential discussions to potentially secure asylum for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in russia, prior to his recent capture. the reported efforts,which involved Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolín and the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, underscore the complex international efforts to address the ongoing instability in Venezuela.
Pope Leo XIV met with Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado on Monday at the Vatican, the Holy See’s press office announced. The meeting comes as international concern grows over the political situation in Venezuela and the upcoming presidential elections.
The Vatican included the meeting with Machado on the Pope’s agenda for the day, but, as is customary, provided no further details about the discussion.
On Friday, Pope Leo XIV appealed for respect for the Venezuelan people’s will and peaceful resolutions, free from “partisan interests,” during a speech to the diplomatic corps.
Vatican Reportedly Negotiated Asylum for Maduro
The Vatican has been closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela. The Washington Post reported on January 9 that the Holy See had attempted to negotiate a deal to offer asylum in Russia to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro prior to any potential arrest or detention by U.S. authorities.
According to the report, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolín discussed the potential arrangement with U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch. The development highlights the complex diplomatic efforts surrounding the Venezuelan crisis.
Pope Leo XIV receives Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado at the Vatican on Monday. |
Source: EFE |
Photographer: Simone Risoluti/Dicasterio para la Comunicaciel Vaticano
