Pope Leo shares message to Catholics after criticizing Donald Trump’s anti-immigration policies

Pope Leo has once again spoken out against former U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. After criticizing Trump’s tough stance on immigrants, the Pope shared a message with Catholics around the world, encouraging compassion and kindness toward people who leave their countries in search of safety and a better life.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo, became the 267th leader of the Catholic Church in May following the death of Pope Francis. He is the first North American to ever hold this position. Since becoming Pope, he has spoken openly about major global issues such as climate change, the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and the treatment of migrants.

During a Mass in St. Peter’s Square over the weekend, Pope Leo reminded thousands of people that immigrants should never be met with indifference or discrimination. He urged Catholics to open their arms and hearts to those in need, treating them as brothers and sisters and offering comfort and hope to those forced to flee their homes because of violence or hardship.

The Pope described this moment as “a new missionary age” for the Church, explaining that the arrival of migrants from the Global South should be seen as an opportunity to renew and strengthen the Church’s spirit through unity and cultural exchange.

Just a week earlier, Pope Leo directly criticized Trump’s immigration policies and questioned the sincerity of politicians who call themselves “pro-life” but support harsh treatment of immigrants. He said that someone who claims to oppose abortion while supporting cruelty toward migrants cannot truly call themselves pro-life.

He also condemned the use of the death penalty, another policy Trump supports and has expanded across the United States. Pope Leo stated that being against abortion but in favor of executions is a contradiction, as both issues involve the sanctity of human life.

Trump recently reintroduced the death penalty in Washington D.C. as part of his campaign to reduce violent crime, saying it would “deter and punish the most heinous crimes in our nation’s capital.” Pope Leo, however, sees such actions as inconsistent with the core values of compassion, mercy, and respect for life that the Catholic Church upholds.