Pope Leo XIV made some statements to journalists on Tuesday upon leaving his residence in Castel Gandolfo, in which he addressed various current international and social issues. Among them, he mentioned the tension between the United States and Venezuela, the situation in the Middle East, the spiritual rights of migrants detained in the United States, and the canonical process against the former Jesuit Marko Ivan Rupnik.
Call for dialogue in the conflict between the United States and Venezuela
According to Vatican News, the Pontiff expressed his concern over the increase in tensions in the Caribbean due to the deployment of U.S. forces off the coast of Venezuela, related to operations against drug trafficking. «I have read that warships are approaching the coast of Venezuela —said the Pope—. But with violence we do not win. What needs to be done is to seek dialogue and find just solutions to the problems that may exist in each country».
Situation in the Middle East
Regarding the Middle East, the Pope noted that the truce reached last October between Israel and Palestine is «very fragile», following the recent attacks in Gaza and the incidents in the West Bank. «At least the first phase of the peace agreement is still in place —he indicated—. Now we need to find a way to move forward, to guarantee the rights of all peoples».
The Pope highlighted the need to maintain efforts to achieve stability and justice in the region, underscoring the importance of cooperation between the parties involved.
The spiritual rights of detained migrants
During his dialogue with journalists, Leo XIV responded to a question about the restrictions imposed in Chicago on Catholic priests who were trying to administer communion to detained migrants. «Jesus warns us in the Gospel of Matthew: we will be asked how we welcomed the stranger», the Pontiff recalled. «The spiritual needs of these people must be respected».
The Pope urged authorities to allow pastoral agents to provide religious assistance to migrants and recalled that many of these people have been separated from their families for years.
The Rupnik case
Regarding the canonical process against the former Jesuit Marko Ivan Rupnik, accused of abuses by several nuns, Leo XIV indicated that new judges have recently been appointed for the case. «We know it is difficult to ask for patience from the victims —he said—, but the Church must respect everyone’s rights. The principle of presumption of innocence also applies here».
The Pope explained that sensitivity toward the victims has led to some of the artist’s works being covered or removed from temples and websites, while the ecclesiastical judicial process develops.