Pope Leo XIV has again publicly challenged U.S. immigration policies under President Donald Trump,delivering sharp criticism of the treatment of migrants and refugees. The American pontiff, who assumed his role in May following a swift election, has increasingly voiced his concerns on global political issues, a trend highlighting the catholic Church’s growing engagement with international affairs[[1]].in remarks made in Rome, the Pope also addressed ongoing security concerns in Nigeria, where both Christian and Muslim populations have been impacted by escalating conflicts.
Pope Leo XIV has once again criticized the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump regarding migrants, denouncing what he called the “extremely disrespectful” treatment they receive. The Pope’s continued commentary highlights the growing international scrutiny of U.S. immigration policies.
“We must find a way to treat people with humanity,” the American pontiff said in English to reporters at his residence in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome. While acknowledging that “every country has the right to determine who can enter, when and how” its territory, he expressed concern over the treatment of individuals who “had a good life, for many of them for ten, fifteen, twenty years,” and who have been subjected to treatment he described as “extremely disrespectful.”
Pope Leo XIV called “on everyone in the United States” to listen to the message of the American Catholic clergy conference, which recently issued a statement urging an end to the “climate of fear” in the country.
“Danger” in Nigeria
Since becoming Pope in May, Leo XIV, a native of Chicago, Illinois, has become increasingly critical of the Trump administration’s policies. His outspokenness reflects a broader trend of religious leaders weighing in on global political issues.
The pontiff also addressed the situation in Nigeria, which President Trump had threatened with military intervention to protect the Christian community. The African nation, roughly evenly divided between a predominantly Muslim north and a largely Christian south, is grappling with multiple conflicts that experts say have claimed numerous victims on both sides. There is in Nigeria not only “a danger for Christians, but for everyone,” he said. “Christians and Muslims have been massacred,” he emphasized.
Pope Leo XIV concluded by telling reporters that during his stays at his residence in Castel Gandolfo, he makes an effort to “do a little sport, a little reading, a little work.” “Body and soul,” he added.
