Pope is willing to mediate if both sides want dialogue

A statement by the director of Vatican Press Office confirms Francis’ availability.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis is prepared to mediate in the Venezuelan crisis if both sides are willing to talk, this according to acting Vatican Press Office director Alessandro Gisotti.

“The Holy Father reserves the right to verify the will of both parties by ascertaining whether the conditions exist for following this path,” Gisotti said responding to journalists’ questions.

This adds to what Pope Francis said on Tuesday on the return flight from the United Arab Emirates (pictured with Gisotti).

“We will see what can be done”, said the pontiff on that occasion. “But for a mediation to happen, you need the will of both sides: both sides need to request it. This is a condition must make them think first, before asking for help or for the presence of an observer, or for mediation. Both sides, always”.

For the Holy Father, mediation works on different levels. The go-between can play the role of facilitator in talks between the parties or be an actual mediator mandated by the parties to draw up a plan for dispute settlement.

• vatican
• venezuela
• pope francis
• crisis
• mediation