Venezuelan President asks Pope Francis to help prevent Donald Trump from invading Venezuela

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has claimed his country is at risk of a U.S. invasion - and has called for Pope Francis to help him stop it.

Speaking at a press conference in Caracas on Tuesday, Maduro asked the head of the Catholic church to prevent Donald Trump from 'sending troops' to Venezuela.

Maduro has faced months of deadly mass protests by opponents who blame him for an economic crisis and are demanding elections to replace him.