Pope Francis has indicated that he would be willing to mediate between Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the opposition if both sides want to talk.

The pope spoke to reporters on his flight back to the Vatican from the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday. He said he'd received a letter from Maduro, but had not yet read it.

He said he would read the letter and see what can be done. But he added that "the initial condition is that both sides ask for it." He said the Vatican is "willing" to help.

The pope noted that diplomatic talks require a series of small steps before mediation can begin.

Maduro earlier told Italian media that he had written to the pontiff, seeking mediation to facilitate dialogue with Juan Guaido. The head of the National Assembly has declared himself Venezuela's interim president.

The social and political confusion in the South American country continues to escalate. An increasing number of European countries and the United States support Guaido, while China and Russia back Maduro.

NHK