Using Economic Forces Instead of Military Action in Venezuela

Pope Proposes Continued Economic Pressure on Venezuela

Pope Leo XIV, during his recent statements, suggested that maintaining economic pressure on Venezuela’s socialist government could be a way to incite change within the nation.

His comments seem to advocate for the continuation of sanctions against Nicolás Maduro’s regime, similar to the measures previously enacted by former President Donald Trump.

Returning from a visit to Lebanon, the Pope addressed reporters on the papal flight back to Rome, touching upon the escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela.

Speaking in Spanish, he mentioned that the Vatican is collaborating with the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference to seek solutions to ease the situation, emphasizing that “the interests of the people” should be prioritized since they are the ones who often endure the consequences.

“The messages from the United States can shift quite frequently,” the Pope noted, referring to a recent conversation between the two presidents.

He also pointed out the potential risks of certain operations, such as an incursion into Venezuelan territory, adding, “We don’t really know what might happen.” He believes it would be best to pursue dialogue and, if needed, apply economic pressure, rather than relying solely on military action.

Pope Leo’s recommendation comes on the heels of consistent efforts by the U.S. under Trump to impose sanctions targeting Maduro and his associates for human rights abuses.

The first round of sanctions against Maduro was implemented in 2017, a response to questionable elections aimed at consolidating power. Since then, other nations like Canada and those in the European Union have followed suit with their own measures against the regime.

Notably, in January 2019, Trump’s administration sanctioned the state-run oil company PDVSA, intending to cut off Maduro’s main financial resources tied to human rights violations against Venezuelans.

Interestingly, sanctions on PDVSA were momentarily lifted in late 2023 and early 2024 as part of a comprehensive relief package, contingent on promises of “free and fair elections” in 2024—a claim that remains dubious given the past.

Despite the supposed intentions of these policies, they did not lead to meaningful change; instead, they granted Maduro an opportunity to escalate his oppressive tactics while still engaging in oil sales internationally.

In 2020, Maduro was indicted in the U.S. on charges related to drug trafficking, reportedly leading an operation known as the Sunshine Cartel, which aimed to flood the U.S. with cocaine.

Currently, the U.S. has a $50 million reward for information that could lead to his capture or conviction.

Meanwhile, Maduro has accused the U.S. of orchestrating an “invasion” through military actions aimed at tackling drug trafficking in the Caribbean. He feels these efforts are a guise for a regime change strategy to seize Venezuela’s oil resources.

Trump recently acknowledged a phone call with Maduro over the weekend, providing few details. Reports have surfaced suggesting Trump issued an ultimatum, urging Maduro to step down in exchange for safe passage for him and his family.

In response, Maduro has purportedly linked his resignation to receiving a legal pardon for himself and his family, along with lifting sanctions affecting over a hundred members of his government.