(ROME. 12/01/2026) Pope Leo XIV received Maria Corina Machado at the Holy See in the Vatican on Monday.

During the private audience, the Venezuelan leader asked the Pope to intercede for the release of the more than one thousand political prisoners and for the swift advancement of the transition to democracy in Venezuela. Today I had the blessing and the honor of being able to share with His Holiness and express our gratitude for his monitoring of what is happening in our country.

“I also conveyed to him the strength of the Venezuelan people, who remain steadfast and in prayer for the freedom of Venezuela, and I asked him to intercede for all Venezuelans who remain kidnapped and disappeared,” Machado commented. She also expressed to the Pope the importance of the civic demonstration carried out by Venezuelans on July 28, 2024, which reaffirms the legitimacy of President Edmundo González Urrutia. María Corina highlighted the spiritual struggle that Venezuelans have faced for years and asserted that finally, with the support of the Church and the unprecedented pressure from the United States government, the defeat of evil in the country is closer. Following this meeting, the leader also spoke with Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See and Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela (2009-2013). The meetings took place just hours after hundreds of Venezuelans demanded, through masses, vigils, and protests throughout the country, the release of citizens who remain kidnapped in various detention centers. of torture and imprisonment.

So far, only 17 people have been confirmed released, according to figures from the Penal Forum, which does not exceed 2% of the total number of prisoners.

Source:  X