...well almost anything. leave no room behind with xfi pods. simple. easy. awesome. click or visit a retail store today. a warm welcome back to viewers here in the united states and all around the world. you are watching "cnn newsroom." and we thank you for it. i'm george how. >> i'm natalie allen. nicolas maduro is facing new challenges as he fights to stay in power. thousands filled the streets of caracas calling on him to step down. meanwhile, the country's ambassador to iraq announced he's defecting from the government. he's the first ambassador to do so. pope francis is set to kick off his historic trip to the you natured arab emirates.