CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday said he has asked Pope Leo XIV to help maintain peace in the South American country.

Maduro’s comments come as the United States military continues to strike alleged drug-carrying boats in the waters off Venezuela in what President Donald Trump has declared an “armed conflict” with cartels. Maduro said he sought Leo’s help in a letter.

“I have great faith that Pope Leo, as I stated in the letter I sent him, will help Venezuela preserve and achieve peace and stability,” Maduro said during his weekly show on state television.

Maduro did not provide details of the letter. His government’s press office did not immediately respond to a request for a copy of the document.

The U.S. military has carried four deadly strikes in t

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