Pope Leo pushes for 'dialogue' between US and Venezuela

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced backlash after stating he did not remain to observe a second military strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat, which resulted in significant casualties. This incident has drawn criticism from Democrats, who labeled Hegseth as 'spineless' and a 'national embarrassment.' The White House has been accused of shielding Hegseth amid growing scrutiny over the legality of these military operations.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has appealed to OPEC for assistance as tensions escalate with the United States, particularly following President Trump's recent ultimatum. This situation arises amid Venezuela's ongoing economic collapse and increasing international isolation, which has left the country vulnerable to external pressures.

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass in Beirut, addressing a crowd of 150,000 and urging the people of the Middle East to overcome historical divisions and pursue peace. This event marked the conclusion of his first international trip as pontiff, which included significant visits to Turkey and Lebanon.

President Donald Trump has threatened military strikes against any country he claims is producing drugs intended for the United States, specifically targeting Venezuela. During a recent White House Q&A session, he indicated that land strikes would commence soon, blaming a navy admiral for a deadly attack in September.

Pope Leo XIV received praise from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for his respectful attire aboard an airplane, which has sparked discussions about airline dress codes and the importance of civility in travel. This incident gained traction on social media, highlighting a shift in public expectations regarding passenger behavior.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced intentions to pursue a war powers resolution to prevent military action in Venezuela should President Trump decide to escalate military involvement. This comes amid rising tensions and concerns over Trump's recent military threats against Venezuela, including potential strikes on vessels in the Caribbean Sea.

President Donald Trump stated he was unaware of a second military strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat that occurred on September 2, asserting that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also lacked knowledge of the order given by a US navy admiral. Hegseth confirmed the admiral had the authority to initiate the strike.

President Trump announced that the U.S. will expand its military operations against drug trafficking to include land strikes in South America, specifically targeting locations in Colombia and Venezuela. This decision follows previous airstrikes on vessels in the Caribbean, emphasizing a shift in strategy to combat drug trafficking more aggressively.