Pope Leo XIV has expressed concern regarding the treatment of migrants in the United States, citing instances he described as violent and disrespectful. The statements were made during a press interaction at Castel Gandolfo, a papal residence near Rome.
The Pope emphasized the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and humanity. He acknowledged the legal frameworks within the United States for addressing undocumented status, including judicial processes.
He clarified that he was not advocating for open borders, recognizing the right of sovereign nations to regulate entry. However, Pope Leo XIV noted that the treatment of individuals who have resided in the U.S. for extended periods, some for 10 to 20 years, in a disrespectful or violent manner, constituted a concern.
U.S. Bishops' Stance
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops recently released a statement addressing the Trump administration's immigration policies. Pope Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago and served as a missionary and bishop in Peru for two decades, had encouraged the bishops to formulate this statement.
The bishops' statement expressed opposition to "indiscriminate mass deportation" and called for an end to rhetoric and actions perceived as dehumanizing or violent, whether targeting immigrants or law enforcement.
Administration's Response and Deportation Data
In response to the bishops' comments, Tom Homan, identified as the Trump administration's "border czar," stated that "a secure border saves lives" and emphasized enforcing the law to preserve lives.
As of October 27, the Trump administration reported the deportation of over 527,000 migrants since taking office in January.