Pope Leo Urges U.S. Bishops To Challenge Trump’s Immigration Policies

Pope Leo has urged visiting U.S. bishops to take a stronger stand against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

During a private meeting at the Vatican on Wednesday, the first U.S.-born pope received dozens of letters from immigrants describing their fear of deportation and separation from family members.

The meeting included bishops and social workers from the U.S.-Mexico border, who said the pontiff’s message was both direct and heartfelt.

“Our Holy Father is very personally concerned about these matters,” El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz, who attended the session told Reuters.

“He expressed his desire that the U.S. Bishops’ Conference should speak strongly on this issue,” he added.

According to Reuters, the Vatican declined to comment officially on the meeting, but participants said the pope emphasized compassion and the Church’s moral duty to defend vulnerable communities.

Elected in May to succeed the late Pope Francis, Leo has largely adopted a softer style than his predecessor, who often spoke bluntly on global and political issues.

However, the new pope has recently spoken firmly on immigration, questioning whether the Trump administration’s policies align with the Church’s humanitarian teachings.

In a September 30 address, he raised doubts about whether targeting migrant families and deporting long-term residents could be reconciled with the Catholic defense of life and dignity.

The White House maintains that President Trump’s immigration policy fulfills his campaign promise to deport criminal illegal aliens and strengthen border security.

One of the letters given to the pope, shared with Reuters, recounted the story of a family living in fear of detention.

“We cannot leave the house without anxiety. I believe the Pope should speak out openly against the raids and unfair treatment our community is facing,”

On Tuesday evening, Pope Leo also met privately with about 100 American Catholics engaged in migrant ministry, thanking them for their commitment and encouraging continued advocacy for humane treatment of immigrants.