U.S. and Vatican leaders discuss Venezuela’s crisis, reaffirming cooperation amid global concern following Maduro’s capture.
Newsroom (07/01/2026 Gaudium Press ) In a diplomatic exchange underscoring the gravity of Venezuela’s deepening crisis, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a call on Jan. 6 with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to discuss the country’s humanitarian and political challenges, as well as broader global priorities.
According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, the two senior diplomats reviewed “pressing challenges,” focusing particularly on efforts to “improve the humanitarian situation, particularly in Venezuela,” alongside initiatives to promote peace and religious freedom worldwide. Both Rubio and Parolin reaffirmed their “commitment to deepening cooperation between the United States and the Holy See in addressing shared priorities around the world.”
The Vatican has not yet released an official statement about the conversation. However, the exchange comes amid growing international attention following the dramatic Jan. 3 U.S. military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The move, which Washington defended as a step toward restoring democracy and human rights in Venezuela, has provoked global debate over sovereignty and the balance of power in the region.
Cardinal Parolin’s involvement carries special significance. Before his current post as the Vatican’s top diplomat, he served as apostolic nuncio to Venezuela from 2009 to 2013, giving him direct experience with the country’s volatile political landscape. His understanding of both Venezuelan society and Church-State relations positions him as a key interlocutor in any potential multilateral dialogue aimed at stabilizing the nation.
The conversation between Rubio and Parolin follows remarks by Pope Leo XIV during his Sunday Angelus on Jan. 4, in which he voiced deep concern over the escalating situation. “With a heart full of concern, I am following the evolution of the situation in Venezuela,” the pope said, stressing that “the good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail above any other consideration.” He called for respect for Venezuela’s national sovereignty and urged international actors to prioritize peace and human dignity.
The Vatican has long sought to play a mediating role in Venezuelan affairs, advocating for political reconciliation and humanitarian access. The renewed engagement between Washington and the Holy See suggests potential coordination in shaping a path forward—one that could balance the pursuit of justice with the Vatican’s emphasis on dialogue and nonviolence.
As Venezuela faces an uncertain future, the convergence of diplomatic, moral, and humanitarian concerns continues to draw the world’s attention. The outcome of these high-level conversations may well influence both international policy and the prospects for peace in a country that has endured years of crisis and hardship.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
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