Pope Leo has cautioned the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump against using military force to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, urging Washington to instead prioritize dialogue and apply economic pressure if it seeks political change in Caracas.

Speaking to reporters aboard his return flight from Turkey and Lebanon—his first overseas trip since being elected in May—the first U.S.-born pope emphasized that armed intervention would only escalate tensions.

“It is better to search for ways of dialogue, or perhaps pressure, including economic pressure,” Pope Leo said when asked about President Trump’s threats to remove Maduro by force. He added that the United States should “search for other ways to achieve change, if that is what they want to do.”

His remarks follow a Reuters report indicating that Washington has been weighing options—including a potential attempt to overthrow Maduro—amid accusations that the Venezuelan leader is involved in drug trafficking that has harmed Americans. Maduro has repeatedly denied such allegations.

Pope Leo noted that U.S. signals regarding its Venezuela policy have been inconsistent. “On one hand, it seems there was a call between the two presidents,” he said, referring to a recent phone conversation between Trump and Maduro. “On the other hand, there is the danger, there is the possibility there will be some activity, some (military) operation. The voices that come from the United States, they change with a certain frequency.”

Originally from Chicago and having spent many years serving in Peru, Pope Leo is deeply familiar with Latin America’s political landscape—experience that informs his call for restraint and dialogue over confrontation.