Vatican City, January 30 (RHC)-- Pope Francis has said he was terrified the political crisis enveloping Venezuela would descend into a "bloodbath."  

Before flying out of Panama following a 4-day Papal visit, the Pope called for a "just and peaceful solution" to the crisis in Venezuela and said he was praying for an outcome "respecting human rights."

On the flight back to the Vatican, Pope Francis said: "What am I afraid of?  A bloodbath," adding: "The problem of violence terrifies me."  On board the plane returning from Panama, the first Latin American pontiff told journalists that he was very concerned about Venezuela.

"I realize that it's not even right to say 'find an agreement,' rather a fair and peaceful solution. What is it that scares me?  Bloodshed.  And I ask for greatness from the people who can help solve the problem.  After all the effort made in Colombia, what happened at the police academy was horrific.  Bloodshed solves nothing.  For this reason, I have to be — I don't like the word balanced, I have to be a pastor for all and if help is needed, then they can find an agreement and ask for it."

"Faced with the grave situation it is going through, I ask the Lord that a just and peaceful solution is sought and achieved in order to overcome the crisis, respecting human rights (and) the good of all the people of the country," he said.