Pope Leo XIV has met with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado at the Vatican. Monday's meeting was not previously announced. Machado is touring Europe and the United States after escaping Venezuela in early 2025. Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, calls for Venezuela to remain independent following the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces. He expresses deep concern over the situation and urges the protection of human rights. Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, dedicates her award to U.S. President Donald Trump and the people of Venezuela.
