Pope Leo urges Trump not to try to overthrow Venezuelan president with military force

Pontiff calls on US president to ‘seek dialogue’ as White House steps up campaign against Nicolás Maduro

Pope Leo has urged Donald Trump not to attempt to overthrow the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro, using military force, and to instead seek dialogue.

Trump’s administration has been considering its options as it steps up its campaign against Maduro, who it accuses of links to the illegal drug trade. The country’s authoritarian leader has denied the accusations.