“Dialogue or even economic pressure is better.”

This Tuesday, on board the papal plane, Leo

He said on the plane returning from his trip to Lebanon: “The votes that come from the United States change frequently, so we will have to see, but it seems that there is a phone conversation between the two presidents and on the other hand there is a danger, the possibility of an activity or operation, or even an invasion of Venezuelan territory. I do not know more.”

He added: “But I think it is always better to look for other ways of dialogue or even pressure, and perhaps economic pressure, but to look for another way to change, if this is what the United States wants to do.”

He also stated that “at the level of the Episcopal Conference and with the papal nuncio (in Venezuela), ways are being sought to calm the situation for the benefit of the people, because they are the ones suffering from the situation, not the authorities.”

Embrace dialogue

The Airbus 320, which was repaired on Saturday in Istanbul, took off from Beirut without incident, with the Pope on board around 2 p.m., and shortly after takeoff he headed to the press area of ​​the plane to meet the media.

Leo XIV not only answered questions regarding Venezuela, but also answered questions regarding Ukraine or Lebanon.

One of the journalists touched on the issue of “some Catholics in Europe who believe that Islam poses a threat to Christian identity in the West.”

In response, the Pope replied, “This fear is often also generated by people who oppose immigration and want to push away people from other countries, other religions, other races. One of the great lessons that Lebanon can teach the world is to show the land where Christians and Muslims exist and can live together as friends.”

“It is a lesson that needs to be heard in North America and Europe, which is that we must build with less fear, and find ways to promote dialogue and respect,” he said.

Leo

Regarding the Ukrainian peace proposal, he appreciated that it was “modified by what Europe said.” “In this area, Italy’s role is important due to its historical and cultural ability to act as a mediator in the conflict with many parties, including Ukraine, Russia and the United States. This may indicate that the Holy See encourages this type of mediation to offer a just peace in Ukraine,” he added.