Diplomatic Efforts to Prevent Maduro's Arrest
January 9, 2026
Cardinal Pietro Parolin of the Vatican urgently contacted the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See for clarification on U.S. intentions in Venezuela. While acknowledging that Nicolás Maduro needed to leave, Parolin urged the U.S. to offer him an exit, supposedly to go to Russia under Putin's protection. Despite efforts to prevent bloodshed, the U.S. operation to capture Maduro took place, costing many lives. The leaked communication from the Vatican caused disappointment among its representatives. Several diplomatic attempts were unsuccessful before his arrest.