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Pope Leo XIV has condemned US President Donald Trump’s deportation policy, warning that recent US bombings in Latin America could worsen regional instability.
Speaking from Castel Gandolfo, the Pope urged Americans to reflect on how migrants are treated. “Many people have lived in the United States peacefully for years and are now deeply affected,” he said. He reminded Christians that they will be judged by how they welcome “the foreigner.”
A Direct Message to Washington
Observers described the remarks as Pope Leo’s strongest criticism of the Trump administration since his election six months ago. Catholic historian Austen Ivereigh said the comments “clearly reference the ICE round-ups” and show the Pope’s willingness to speak out.
The Pope had earlier called Trump’s crackdown on undocumented migrants “inhuman.” This statement unsettled conservative Catholics who once viewed him as an “American Pope.”
“Many now realize that Leo will not change Church teaching for their sake,” Ivereigh said. “His approach differs from Francis, but his priorities are the same.”
Migration, Faith, and Compassion
Born in Chicago as Robert Prevost, Pope Leo served for years as a missionary in Peru. Scholars believe those experiences shaped his views on justice and migration.
Professor Anna Rowlands of Durham University explained, “He has lived in countries affected by these policies and has been welcomed as a migrant himself. His views reflect the Church’s long tradition of protecting family unity and caring for displaced people.”
When asked about reports that detainees were denied communion at a Chicago facility, the Pope urged access for pastoral workers. “Authorities should allow them to meet the spiritual needs of the detained,” he said.
Warning on US Military Actions
The Pope also criticized US airstrikes on vessels near Venezuela, warning that such actions might deepen instability. “Violence will not bring peace,” he said in Italian, calling instead for dialogue and restraint.
He noted that the deployment of US Navy ships near Venezuelan waters seemed to increase tension rather than promote security.
Changing Vatican-US Relations
Analysts view these statements as a shift in Pope Leo’s relationship with the Trump administration.
“When the Pope speaks this directly, it pressures Catholic officials in the US,” Ivereigh said. “Until now, Leo has avoided direct confrontation, but that appears to be changing.”
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