Pope Leo XIV has issued his strongest criticism yet of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, calling for “deep reflection” on the treatment of migrants and warning that Washington’s recent military actions could heighten instability in Latin America.
Speaking on Friday at his papal retreat in Castel Gandolfo, the first U.S.-born pontiff said many people in the United States had been “deeply affected” by Trump’s mass deportation policies.
“There are people who have lived in the U.S. for years without causing problems, who have been deeply affected,” the Pope said, adding that every Christian would ultimately be judged by how they welcomed “the foreigner.”
Observers described the remarks as the Pope’s most direct rebuke of the U.S. government since his election six months ago. Catholic historian Austen Ivereigh said the comments were “very strong,” noting that the Pope’s reference clearly alluded to recent ICE round-ups.
Pope Leo’s statements come amid a gradual shift from his earlier restraint on geopolitical issues. Last month, he had described Trump’s crackdown on undocumented migrants as “inhuman,” a comment that unsettled some conservative Catholics who had celebrated his election as an “American Pope.”
According to Ivereigh, “Now they’re realising that Leo isn’t going to change Church teaching for their sake. He’s different in tone from Francis, but it’s the same message — a continuation of the same priorities.”
Born Robert Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo spent years as a missionary in Peru, an experience scholars say shaped his strong views on migration and social justice. Professor Anna Rowlands of Durham University noted that “he has lived in countries affected by these policies and was himself welcomed as a migrant. He was, in effect, a migrant bishop.”
She added that the Pope’s position on migration “is fully consistent with Catholic teaching,” which stresses family unity and pastoral care for displaced persons.
Addressing reports of detainees being denied communion at a U.S. immigration facility near Chicago, Pope Leo said he would “certainly invite the authorities to allow pastoral workers to attend to the needs of those people.”
Turning to U.S. military actions in Venezuela, the Pope condemned the bombing of ships suspected of drug trafficking, warning that such operations risk worsening tensions. “I think that with violence we won’t win,” he said in Italian, urging dialogue and peace.
He further expressed concern that the deployment of U.S. Navy vessels near Venezuelan waters was “increasing tension rather than defending peace.”
Analysts say the remarks signal a new phase in the Pope’s relationship with the Trump administration. “When the Pope speaks this firmly, it puts pressure on the U.S. government, especially among Catholic supporters,” Ivereigh said. “So far, Leo’s avoided direct confrontation but perhaps he’s ready to take that risk now.”
