Pope Francis Urges Peace Amid Venezuela Election Crisis

Pope Francis has called on Venezuela to 'seek the truth' following the disputed re-election of President Nicolás Maduro, urging all parties to exercise moderation and avoid violence. The pope's comments come amid claims from opposition candidate Edmundo González, who insists he won the election, and demands from various nations, including the U.S. and Argentina, for an independent audit of the electoral results. Protests against Maduro's regime have escalated, resulting in at least 19 deaths, with Maduro branding opposition members as part of a coup attempt. The Venezuelan National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner, yet has not disclosed detailed voting records, citing a cyberattack as the reason for the delay. Human rights organizations have reported significant violence and detentions following the election. The pope emphasized the need for dialogue to prioritize the population's true interests over partisan ones.