By 
Venezuela’s Supreme Court has appointed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as Interim President, a day after the United States launched an attack on the South American nation and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
In a ruling issued by its Constitutional Chamber, the court said Rodriguez would assume the presidency to ensure administrative continuity and safeguard national security following what it described as the president’s “forced absence.”
“The office of President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in order to guarantee administrative continuity and the comprehensive defence of the Nation,” the court said, announcing Rodriguez’s temporary assumption of power.
The Supreme Court added that it would deliberate further on establishing a legal framework to ensure continuity of the state, the functioning of government institutions and the protection of national sovereignty in light of the extraordinary circumstances.
Rodriguez, 56, is one of the most powerful figures within Venezuela’s socialist leadership and a close ally of Maduro.
Maduro has previously praised her loyalty and toughness, referring to her as a “tiger” for her staunch defence of his administration.
According to Gulfnews, she studied law at the Central University of Venezuela and has risen rapidly through the political ranks over the past decade.
In June 2018, Maduro appointed her Vice President, describing her at the time as “a young woman, brave, seasoned, daughter of a martyr, revolutionary, and proven in countless battles.”
She has since emerged as the country’s chief economic authority.
Reacting to the developments, US President Donald Trump said Washington had left Rodriguez in place as Maduro’s successor for now.
“She’s essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again,” Trump said.
Rodriguez, however, strongly rejected the US position, accusing Washington of aggression and warning that the move was aimed at exploiting Venezuela’s resources.
“This regime change would also allow for the seizure of our energy, mineral, and natural resources,” she said.
The situation has heightened tensions in the region, as Venezuela navigates a sudden leadership transition amid international pressure and domestic uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV has appealed for calm, justice and respect for human rights in Venezuela following dramatic political developments in the country.
Speaking during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday as reported by the Vatican, the Pope expressed deep concern after United States forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas on Saturday and transferred him to New York for trial.
“The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration,” Pope Leo said, urging all parties to reject violence and pursue justice and peace.
He stressed the importance of safeguarding Venezuela’s sovereignty, upholding the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution, and respecting the human and civil rights of every person.
The Pope also highlighted the need to work collectively toward a future marked by collaboration, stability and harmony, with particular concern for the poor who continue to suffer under the country’s difficult economic conditions.
Addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo invited the global Church to pray for the Venezuelan people and assured them of his personal prayers.
He entrusted the nation to the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto, the Patroness of Venezuela, as well as St. José Gregorio Hernández and St. Carmen Rendiles.
Pope Leo XIV encouraged believers not to lose hope, calling on them to place their trust in God.
“Let us continue to have faith in the God of peace. Let us pray and stand in solidarity with the peoples who suffer because of wars,” he said.
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