Pope Francis on Tuesday said he is ready to mediate to open dialogue in Venezuela if both parties seek it.
Speaking to reporters en route from the United Arab Emirates, where he paid a brief visit, Pope said that he had not read yet a letter sent to him by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro seeking the pontiff’s help in opening up dialogue.
For mediation to occur, both parties must ask for it, said Francis, referring to Maduro and Juan Guaido, head of the opposition-led National Assembly, who last month declared himself Venezuela’s interim president.
Maduro on Monday said he sent Francis a letter seeking his help in fostering dialogue in Venezuela.
The country is about 70 percent Catholic.