Pope Leo offers his strongest criticism of Trump yet

Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope in history, has issued a strong critique of the United States’ immigration policies under President Donald Trump. Speaking from his papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo, the Pope called for ‘deep reflection’ on the treatment of migrants, particularly those affected by mass deportations. He emphasized the Catholic belief that Christians will be judged by how they welcome ‘the foreigner.’ This marks some of his most direct criticism of the Trump administration to date. The Pope also expressed concern over the U.S. bombing of Venezuelan ships suspected of carrying drugs, warning that such actions risk escalating regional tensions. Born in Chicago and having spent much of his life as a missionary in Peru, Pope Leo’s personal experiences have deeply influenced his stance on migration and poverty, which he has made central to his papacy. He has urged U.S. authorities to allow pastoral workers to attend to the spiritual needs of detainees, many of whom are Catholic. The Pope’s approach reflects a continuation of church teachings on migration, emphasizing the rights of families and the need for dialogue over violence.