Pope Leo XIV Rebukes U.S. Immigration Policies, Urges Humane Treatment

Overview

• Pope Leo XIV condemned what he called the “extremely disrespectful” treatment of immigrants in the United States in remarks to reporters near Rome on Tuesday.
• He asked the public to heed the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which issued an uncommon message calling for an end to a climate of fear for immigrants after a lopsided vote of approval.
• The pontiff said nations may regulate their borders but stressed that long‑time residents deserve dignity and humane processes, noting reports of mistreatment and some violence.
• The White House responded through spokesperson Abigail Jackson, who said President Trump is carrying out a pledge to deport criminal undocumented immigrants.
• Addressing Nigeria, the Pope warned that Christians and Muslims face lethal attacks linked to terrorism and struggles over land and economic control, as reporting notes talks between Abuja and Washington following Trump’s threat of possible military intervention.