Pope Weighs in on Maduro Capture … and Left-Wing Media Gets it Wrong

CBS New recently reported that Pope Leo “criticized U.S. intervention” in Venezuela without airing the Pontiff’s words. That spin was echoed on several other left-wing media platforms.

I heard the Pope’s entire message and that is not what he did. In fact, there was no mention of Trump or specific condemnation of the arrest of Maduro. Leo’s actual words seemed to be a message of opportunity for the people of Venezuela.

Leo expressed his concern about the current situation in Venezuela and called for respect of the nation’s sovereignty. Some have used that to spin criticism of Trump. But Leo’s full message comes down on the side of liberation, democracy and civil rights. He went on to say that “the good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail above any other consideration.” That sounds like an endorsement for liberation, democracy and civil rights – everything that the Maduro regime took away.

The Pontiff expressed a need to “overcome violence” in favor of “ensuring the rule of law enshrined in the Constitution.” He said there must be respect for the human and civil rights of everyone. That was not possible under Maduro.

The Holy Father called on people to unite to “build a serene future of collaboration, stability, and concordia.” Pretty much what Trump has called for.

Apparently, the left-wing establishment is having difficulty in accepting the fact that Leo is not the left-wing Pontiff as was his predecessor, Pope Francis. So, they misrepresent Leo’s statements.

It is absurd to believe that Leo would side with those who lament the downfall of a brutal dictator, who suppressed all the human rights and freedoms that are at the core of Catholic dogma – and would side with the supporters and enablers of an oppressive regime over the manifest will of the vast majority of the suffering people of Venezuela.

There was nothing in Leo’s remarks that could be fairly interpreted as a condemnation of the removal of Maduro. Au contraire. The Pope seemed to interpret the events as an opportunity for freedom. “Concern” is an appropriate word for events yet to unfold. It can be expressed as “fear” or “hope”. Based on the full text of the Pope’s message, his underlying sentiment was one of hope.

Memo to those on the left: You did not get the Pope you wanted. So, stop pretending you did.

So, there ‘tis.