Pope Leo’s rebuke of Trump’s immigration policies has galvanized top U.S. Catholic leaders to intensify support for immigrants.
In early November 2025, Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, issued a strong critique of President Donald Trump’s anti-immigration stance, urging Americans to engage in “deep reflection” on how migrants are treated. He emphasized that Christians will be judged by how they welcome “the foreigner,” referencing biblical teachings on compassion and hospitality The Star Arise News.
Following his remarks, senior U.S. bishops, Catholic charities, and religious orders have ramped up efforts to assist immigrants affected by federal crackdowns. Notably, Bishop Jose Maria Garcia Maldonado led a public Mass outside the Broadview ICE facility in Illinois, where clergy were barred from offering communion to detainees The Star The Straits Times.
Catholic organizations have also condemned recent deportations and increased law enforcement presence, calling for greater transparency, legal aid, and community support. Pope Leo’s intervention is seen as a moral rallying point, encouraging the Church to take a more active role in defending vulnerable populations.
Sources: The Star Arise News The Straits Times US News MSN
