POPE LEO URGES CATHOLICS TO AID IMMIGRANTS AFTER TRUMP CRITIQUE

Sun 05 October 2025:

Pope Leo encouraged the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics to embrace immigrants, continuing his call for compassion following his recent criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump’s strict anti-immigration stance.

As the first U.S. pope, he addressed thousands of pilgrims at Mass in St. Peter’s Square, urging them to reject indifference or discrimination toward migrants.

On Sunday, Leo delivered a prepared speech at a weekend event during the Catholic Church’s holy year, specifically organized for migrants, which drew over 10,000 pilgrims from approximately 95 countries, according to the Vatican.

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“Open our arms and hearts to them, welcoming them as brothers and sisters, and being for them a presence of consolation and hope,” Pope said.

Leo had criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies on September 30, questioning whether they were in line with the Catholic Church’s pro-life teachings, in comments that drew heated backlash from some prominent conservative Catholics.

“In the communities of ancient Christian tradition, such as those of the West, the presence of many brothers and sisters from the world’s South should be welcomed as an opportunity, through an exchange that renews the face of the Church,” he said.

Elected in May to succeed the late Pope Francis, Pope Leo has adopted a more restrained approach compared to his predecessor, who often made spontaneous comments and frequently criticized the Trump administration.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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