Pope Leo has urged Donald Trump not to attempt to overthrow the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro , using military force, and to instead seek dialogue.

Trump’s administration has been considering its options as it steps up its campaign against Maduro, who it accuses of links to the illegal drug trade. The country’s authoritarian leader has denied the accusations.

The US has gathered its biggest military presence in the Caribbean since the 1989 invasion of Panama, and launched 21 strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing at least 83 people.

Trump reportedly gave Maduro an ultimatum to immediately relinquish power during a recent call, but the Venezuelan leader declined, demanding a “global amnesty” for himself and allies.

Speaking to repo

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