While the spotlight of international politics is focused on Washington and the highly anticipated meeting between Donald Trump and Maria Corina Machado, another actor is moving far from the cameras, with the patience and precision of centuries-old diplomacy: the Vatican. It is a discreet presence, almost imperceptible, yet capable of reshaping the balance of power more effectively than loud public statements. On Venezuela’s future, Rome has chosen to make its weight felt without raising its voice.
The Venezuelan opposition leader is set to arrive in the U.S. capital next week. The announcement came from Trump himself during an interview on Fox News’ Hannity: “I understand she’ll be coming next week, and I look forward to greeting her.” Carefully chosen words, but enough to reopen a window after days of deep chill. Machado hopes to convince the U.S. president that she is the most legitimate figure to lead the country’s transition following the fall of Nicolás Maduro. Yet behind what appears to be a purely bilateral dialogue between Caracas and Washington, a third diplomatic track can be glimpsed—one that runs through the halls of the Vatican
