Pope Leo met with a group of U.S. bishops and social workers from the U.S.–Mexico border at the Vatican on Wednesday, where he voiced concern over the treatment of immigrants under President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies. The bishops presented the pope with letters from immigrants expressing fear of deportation and family separation.
Why It Matters:
This marks one of Pope Leo’s strongest interventions on U.S. immigration since assuming office in May. Although known for his more reserved approach compared to the late Pope Francis, Leo has recently become more vocal, questioning whether Trump’s anti-immigration measures align with the Catholic Church’s pro-life teachings. His comments signal growing Vatican pressure on the U.S. Church to take a firmer public stance.
Key players include Pope Leo, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Trump administration. The bishops especially from border regions such as El Paso are now under renewed encouragement to speak out on human rights and migrant protection, potentially heightening tensions between the Church and Washington.
What’s Next:
The Vatican has yet to issue an official statement on the meeting. The U.S. bishops are expected to discuss coordinated responses in upcoming conferences, while the White House continues to defend its immigration enforcement as a fulfillment of Trump’s campaign promises.
With information from Reuters.
