Incredible but true: The Vatican tried to negotiate asylum in Russia for Maduro before his capture by the United States

The Vatican allegedly tried to negotiate an asylum offer in Russia for the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro, before his capture and detention by U.S. forces last Saturday, according to a report by the Washington Post this Friday.

The newspaper reported on a conversation between the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Burch, regarding an alleged Russian proposal to grant asylum to Maduro.

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"What was proposed (to Maduro) was that he leave and be able to enjoy his money," said a person familiar with the Russian offer, adding that "part of the proposal was for Russian President Vladimir Putin to guarantee his safety."

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Despite this, the United States ended up carrying out a military operation that resulted in the capture and detention of the Venezuelan leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are now in a prison in New York to face charges of narco-terrorism.

According to the Washington Post, which cites a source familiar with the matter, U.S. President Donald Trump had even invited Maduro to Washington so they could discuss in person a safe passage he had offered him, which the Venezuelan apparently rejected.