Pope Leo XIV Supports U.S. Bishops on Immigration Issues
On Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV expressed strong support for U.S. bishops who have criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies. He urged Americans to treat migrants with compassion and respect.
The pope’s remarks came after the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a “special message” during their recent assembly in Baltimore. In it, they condemned the mass deportation plans of former President Donald Trump and highlighted the distress these immigration raids have caused in communities across the nation. They voiced concerns about the fear surrounding immigration enforcement and the lack of pastoral care for those in detention.
The bishops stated, “We are disturbed by the climate of fear regarding immigration.” They expressed sadness over the negative portrayal of immigrants and the conditions in detention centers, opposing mass deportation of individuals.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, appreciated the bishops’ message. He encouraged everyone, especially Catholics, to listen to migrants and treat them with the dignity they deserve, even if they are undocumented. He stated, “We need to find humane ways to treat people,” emphasizing that there is a justice system in place for addressing immigration issues.
Catholic leaders have voiced their concerns about how the Trump administration’s immigration policies have lowered Mass attendance in some parishes due to fear of raids. Earlier this year, the government reversed a policy that had previously protected sensitive locations, like schools and churches, from immigration enforcement.
While acknowledging the challenges within the U.S. immigration system, Pope Leo emphasized that countries have the right to regulate their borders. He criticized the disrespect shown towards long-term residents, stating, “It is extremely disrespectful to treat people in such a way.”
The bishops’ statement was notable as it marked the first time since 2013 that they had released a focused message on a single issue during their meetings. Pope Leo encouraged everyone in the U.S. to be open to listening to the experiences of migrants as a way of promoting dignity and understanding.
