Divergent Views on Immigration Policy
Pope Leo XIV and the US administration have expressed differing views on immigration policy. Conservative Catholic podcaster Jesse Romero stated that the Pope's role should be confined to spiritual guidance, asserting, "He has no authority over the government; he has to stay in his lane." Romero, a supporter of Donald Trump, reacted to criticisms from the American-born Pope and US bishops regarding the administration's deportation policy.
Catholicism is a significant religious affiliation in the United States, with one in five Americans identifying as Catholic. The Catholic community includes prominent political figures such as Vice President JD Vance, legal activist Leonard Leo, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, who have held key positions within the Trump administration. Immigration policy has emerged as a point of divergence between Catholic Church leadership and the government, and also among Catholic parishioners.
Papal and Episcopal Statements
During the papal conclave in May, Jesse Romero expressed a desire for a Pope with a perspective similar to President Trump's. However, Pope Leo XIV has since voiced concerns regarding the treatment of migrants in the US, advocating for "deep reflection" in November. He cited the Gospel of Matthew, stating, "Jesus says very clearly, at the end of the world, we're going to be asked, 'How did you receive the foreigner?'"
A week later, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a "Special Message" expressing "concern for the evolving situation impacting immigrants in the United States." The bishops noted "a climate of fear and anxiety" and stated their opposition to "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people," also calling for an end to "dehumanizing rhetoric and violence." This was the first such communique from the USCCB in twelve years. Pope Leo XIV supported the statement, describing it as "very important" and urging Catholics and "people of goodwill" to consider its message.
Administration's Response and Catholic Opinion
David Gibson, director of Fordham University's Center on Religion and Culture, characterized the relationship between the Church and the administration as tense. He observed that some conservatives had anticipated a shift in papal focus from social justice and migration under Pope Leo XIV, differing from Pope Francis's emphasis.
White House border czar Tom Homan, a Catholic, stated that the Church "is wrong" on the issue and suggested its leaders address internal Church matters. In October, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt countered Pope Leo XIV's suggestion that US immigrant treatment was "inhuman" and inconsistent with "pro-life" beliefs.
Gibson suggested that the administration's strategy might be based on the political benefit derived from the support of a segment of American Catholics, particularly white Catholics, for the Republican Party and Donald Trump. A study by the Public Religion Research Institute indicated that nearly 60% of white Catholics approve of Trump's immigration policies, compared to approximately 30% of Hispanic Catholics, who constitute 37% of the US Catholic population.
Catholic Activism and Demographic Trends
Vice President JD Vance, a convert to Catholicism, has stated that his faith influences his political views. He has argued that current immigration policy does not contradict Church teaching, while also emphasizing a responsibility to acknowledge the humanity of undocumented individuals. However, some Catholics hold a different perspective on current events.
Jeanne Rattenbury, a parishioner at St Gertrude Catholic Church in Chicago, participated in a Mass held outside an ICE detention center in Chicago in November. This "People's Mass" was organized by the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL) with the stated aim of providing religious ministry to detainees. The CSPL has filed a federal lawsuit alleging hindrance of religious ministry access. Rattenbury stated support for the Church's stance on immigrant rights and dignity.
In Dedham, Massachusetts, St Susanna Parish adapted its Christmas nativity scene to include a sign reading "ICE was here," which was perceived by some as conveying a message about refugees. The Catholic Archdiocese of Boston directed the removal of the display, citing divisiveness and non-compliance with rules regarding sacred objects; the church has not yet removed it.
While some US Catholics align with the Church on conservative issues like abortion, a significant portion identify as progressive compared to white evangelical Christians. Approximately one-third of white Catholics have consistently voted for the Democratic Party. Additionally, nearly one-third of US Catholics are foreign-born. David Gibson remarked that the Catholic Church in the United States has historically been shaped by immigration.