Pope Leo has shown support for a recent statement issued by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops addressing concerns about profiling and immigration enforcement creating a climate of fear and anxiety. The message, backed by 216 out of 224 bishops, denounced the mistreatment of migrants and highlighted worries about the impact of immigration raids on communities and the lack of pastoral care for migrants in detention facilities.
In response to questions from journalists, Leo emphasized the importance of treating individuals with dignity and humanity, even if they are in the U.S. illegally. He acknowledged flaws in the U.S. migration system but stressed that a compassionate approach does not equate to open borders.
The bishops’ statement, the first of its kind since 2013, emphasized the Catholic Church’s teachings on respecting the dignity of all individuals, including immigrants. The message, broadcast in an Instagram video featuring multiple bishops, received criticism from Tom Homan, appointed by Trump as a border czar, who argued that secure borders save lives.
The bishops called for collaboration among people of goodwill to uphold both human dignity and national security. However, bipartisan efforts to pass comprehensive immigration legislation providing legal status to law-abiding residents, particularly those brought to the U.S. as minors, have faced challenges.
The U.S. unauthorized immigrant population has grown to around 14 million, according to a Pew Research Center report. The bishops highlighted the need to protect sensitive locations from immigration enforcement actions and expressed concern about threats against places of worship, hospitals, and schools.
Despite past efforts by former President Obama to shield undocumented immigrants through policies like DACA, ongoing legal disputes have left many in limbo. Trump’s administration took a different stance, prioritizing border security and rejecting pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
Leo voiced reservations about decision-making in the U.S., suggesting that economic considerations sometimes overshadow human dignity. While he has not engaged with Trump directly, Leo met with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a vocal critic of the administration’s deployment of National Guard troops without consent.