Pope Leo XIV urges dialogue on Venezuela tensions Pope Leo XIV said dialogue is the solution to rising tensions with Venezuela. There have been more than a dozen U.S. strikes on vessels in the Caribbean, often of Venezuelan origin. Dozens of deaths have been reported as a result, and the U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean in recent months. \u201cA country has the right to have its own military to defend peace, to build peace,\u201d Pope Leo XIV said Nov. 4 outside Castel Gandolfo. \u201cIn this case, however, it seems a bit different, with the tension increasing\u2026 Just five minutes ago I read some news saying that they are getting closer and closer to the coast of Venezuela. I think that with violence we do not win. The thing to do is to seek dialogue, to look for a just way to find solutions to the problems that may exist in a country. A country has the right to have its own military to defend peace, to build peace.\u201d The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns joined 61 other civil society organizations in sending a letter to Congress on Nov. 4 to express alarm at \u201cillegal military strikes and extrajudicial killings of civilians on boats off of the coast of Venezuela.\u201d \u201cThe Trump administration has not provided any valid legal justification for these strikes or any evidence to substantiate its claims that the victims were an imminent threat to the security of the United States,\u201d the letter said. \u201cWe fear that, barring decisive action by members of Congress, there will be more strikes, more extrajudicial killings, and potentially a full-blown limitless war with one or more countries in the region, with likely devastating humanitarian and geopolitical consequences.\u201d President Donald Trump called for mobilizing U.S. military assets against drug-trafficking organizations during the 2024 campaign. The administration began classifying regional drug cartels and criminal organizations as \u201cforeign terrorist organizations\u201d in 2025. This article was originally published by CNA. Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp CNA Staff Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter. More news related to this article Pope Francis confirms plans to visit Turkey for historic Nicaea council anniversary Pope Leo XIV: Lives of the newly canonized saints are \u2018luminous signs of hope\u2019 Pope Francis clarifies comments on sin and homosexuality \u2018Hope Never Disappoints\u2019 is Holy Father\u2019s new book for 2025 Jubilee Year World Mission Day: Leo XIV calls for supporting those who bring Christ to ends of earth Here are the prayers and readings for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI\u2019s funeral Mass<\/p>\n