Edith Hejberg
“We have to look for ways of treating people humanely, treating people with the dignity that they have,” he told reporters.
Pope Leo has issued a sharp rebuke of the United States’ treatment of immigrants, calling it “extremely disrespectful.” His remarks come amid growing concern over aggressive immigration raids and mass deportations under Donald Trump’s administration.
Supporting US bishops’ strong stance
Last week, during a special assembly, American bishops released a statement criticising recent immigration actions.
The bishops denounced the fear caused by sweeping raids and highlighted the harm inflicted on families. Pope Leo fully endorsed the message, calling it “very important.”
A call for Catholics to listen and act
The Pope urged Catholics across the US to reflect deeply on the bishops’ words. He said their statement deserved attention, not only from the faithful but also from political leaders responsible for immigration enforcement.
‘Treat people with dignity,’ says the pontiff
Speaking from Castel Gandolfo, Leo stressed that even those living in the US without legal status deserve basic human respect. “We have to look for ways of treating people humanely, treating people with the dignity that they have,” he told reporters.
There are proper legal channels, Leo notes
While he acknowledged the importance of border control and law enforcement, Pope Leo pointed out that legal systems exist to handle immigration fairly. “There are courts; there’s a system of justice,” he said, cautioning against harsh, ad hoc crackdowns.
Recognising sovereign rights, demanding moral
“Every country has a right to determine who and how and when people enter,” Leo said. But he emphasised that once people are living in the country, often for many years, they must not be treated with contempt or cruelty.
Longtime residents deserve humanity
Many undocumented immigrants have contributed to American communities for decades, Leo said. “To treat them in a way that is extremely disrespectful, to say the least, and there’s been some violence, unfortunately, I think the bishops have been very clear,” he added.
Tone shift: Leo grows more forceful
Since becoming pope in May, Leo has steadily intensified his criticism of US immigration policy. In September, he described the treatment of immigrants as “inhuman,” and by October, he was openly questioning whether Trump’s actions aligned with Catholic doctrine.
Questioning what it means to be pro-life
In a striking comment in October, Leo challenged the moral consistency of some US Catholics. “Someone who says I am against abortion but I am in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants… I don’t know if that’s pro-life,” he said.
Castel Gandolfo: a space for reflection and rebuke
Pope Leo frequently delivers public remarks from Castel Gandolfo, a papal retreat south of Rome. He revived the tradition of spending time there after Pope Francis abandoned it. Tuesdays have become a regular moment for Leo to speak candidly on major global issues.
From migration to climate: Leo’s expanding message
On the same Tuesday he addressed immigration, Pope Leo also released a video message to bishops attending the Cop30 climate summit in Brazil. He warned of the escalating climate crisis and the devastating impact on vulnerable populations.
A plea for climate action and leadership
“The Earth is crying out in floods, droughts, storms and relentless heat,” Leo said. He accused international leaders of failing to show the necessary political will and urged them to act with urgency and courage to protect both people and the planet.
Paris agreement still vital, pope insists
Referencing the 2015 Paris climate accord, Leo called it “the strongest tool for protecting people and the planet.” But he said political inaction is undermining progress. “It is not the agreement that is failing; we are failing in our response,” he warned.
This article is made and published by Edith Hejberg, who may have used AI in the preparation
