Washington Post: Details of Maduro's Arrest Revealed

According to documents obtained by the Washington Post, the Vatican attempted to prevent the U.S. operation to arrest Nicolás Maduro. Cardinal Pietro Parolin sought clarification from U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Berch, regarding U.S. plans in Venezuela.

Parolin expressed concerns about a potential regime change and suggested offering Maduro a way out, as Russia was ready to grant him asylum. However, Maduro and his wife were arrested by U.S. Special Forces and taken to New York.

The Vatican expressed disappointment over the leak of parts of the confidential conversation. The report also states that the U.S. settled on a plan for Maduro's successor, turning its attention to Vice President Delsy Rodríguez, based on a CIA assessment.

Donald Trump reportedly invited Maduro to Washington for talks, but he refused. Efforts to find a solution continued until the last moment, but Maduro rejected the proposals.

Rodríguez, according to the report, had gained the trust of parts of the business community and was considered capable of leading a political transition.