Pope Leo offers his strongest criticism of Trump yet

November 5, 2025

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope who previously served as a missionary in Peru, has issued strong criticism of the Trump administration's immigration policies, calling for serious reconsideration of how the United States treats migrants who have lived peacefully in the country for many years. The pontiff, who was elected in May and initially cautious about geopolitical commentary, has become increasingly vocal on migration issues, describing the administration's enforcement approach as "inhuman" and reminding Catholics they will be judged on how they welcome foreigners. Pope Leo has also expressed concern about U.S. military actions against Venezuelan ships suspected of drug trafficking, warning these operations could escalate regional tensions rather than promote peace.

Who is affected

Migrants who have lived in the United States for many years
People detained in ICE round-ups and raids
Catholic detainees at an immigration facility near Chicago who have been barred from receiving communion
Conservative Catholics in the United States who supported Pope Leo
Venezuelan ship crews targeted by U.S. military operations
U.S. Catholics and the Trump administration facing papal criticism
Catholic communities from the Americas targeted in immigration enforcement

What action is being taken

Pope Leo XIV is calling for "deep reflection" on migration treatment
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is conducting round-ups and raids
The Trump administration is bombing Venezuelan ships suspected of carrying drugs and killing crew members
U.S. Navy vessels are being deployed close to Venezuela
Immigration facility authorities near Chicago are barring detainees from receiving communion
Pope Leo is visiting Castel Gandolfo and addressing journalists directly

Why it matters

This matters because the first American-born pope is directly challenging U.S. policy, creating pressure on the Trump administration and American Catholics who must reconcile their political positions with church teaching. Pope Leo's criticism is particularly significant because conservative American Catholics had hoped he would be more aligned with their views than Pope Francis, but he is demonstrating that Catholic doctrine on migration—emphasizing the rights of families to stay together and the obligation to welcome foreigners—remains unchanged regardless of the pope's nationality. His unprecedented accessibility to journalists at Castel Gandolfo and willingness to address U.S. audiences directly in English amplifies the impact of his message, potentially influencing both policy debates and Catholic voters in America.

What's next

Pope Leo invited authorities to allow pastoral workers to attend to the spiritual needs of detainees at the Chicago immigration facility
The Pope called for dialogue and calm regarding Venezuela

Read full article from source: BBC