The pontiff calls on the Trump administration to push for change in Venezuela through peaceful means.

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 ROME—Pope Leo called on the Trump administration to work for change in Venezuela through dialogue and economic pressure rather than by threatening military action, against a background of rising tensions between Washington and Venezuelan leaders.

Pope Leo XIV speaks to journalists aboard a flight to Rome Tuesday at the end of his visit to Turkey and Lebanon.

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Noting U.S. talk of a possible military operation against Venezuela, Leo told reporters: “I believe it’s better to look for ways of dialogue, perhaps pressure, including economic pressure, but looking for other ways to change, if that’s what the United States wants to do.”

The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro of drug trafficking, vote rigging and human rights abuses and says he should leave office. U.S. military forces have been increasing their presence in the Caribbean. President Trump said last week that military action against Venezuela could be imminent. On Saturday Trump said Venezuela’s airspace should be seen as closed. Venezuela accused the U.S. of colonial behavior.

Leo noted that Trump and Maduro had spoken on the phone last week. In the call, Trump told the Venezuelan strongman that the U.S. would consider using force if he didn’t give up power willingly, according to people familiar with the matter. They also discussed Venezuela’s demands for an amnesty for Maduro, his senior aides and their families, many of whom face U.S. sanctions and criminal indictments, people familiar with the call said.

“On one hand, it seems there was a call between the two presidents. On the other hand, there is the danger, there is the possibility there will be some (military) activity,” said Leo. “The voices that come from the United States, they change with a certain frequency.”

Leo made his comments while traveling back to Rome after a trip to Turkey and Lebanon, his first foreign voyage after being elected pope in May. Leo, the first-ever American head of the global Roman Catholic Church, has strong connections in Latin America, where he worked for many years as a missionary and a bishop in Peru.

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The pope’s comments show the desire of the Catholic Church to de-escalate the Trump-Maduro tensions and avoid war. It remains to be seen, however, whether the church can sway either the Trump administration or the Maduro regime.

Leo and U.S. bishops are also at odds with Trump over his hard-line immigration policies. In his comments to reporters on Tuesday, Leo also urged Trump to listen to Europe’s concerns as the U.S. pushes for a deal with Russia to end the war in Ukraine.