Pope Leo XIV Condemns U.S. Immigration Policies as ‘Inhuman’
URGENT UPDATE: Pope Leo XIV has just declared that the treatment of immigrants in the United States is “inhuman,” challenging U.S. political leaders to align their policies with the Church’s pro-life teachings. His remarks, made in a press conference outside his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo on September 22, 2023, underscore a significant moment for the first American pope as he addresses contentious issues in U.S. politics.
In a powerful statement, Pope Leo emphasized that political figures cannot claim to be pro-life while endorsing policies that harm vulnerable populations. “Someone who says I’m against abortion but is in favor of the death penalty is not really pro-life,” he asserted, adding, “And someone who says I’m against abortion but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States, I don’t know if that’s pro-life.”
This bold condemnation comes alongside debates surrounding Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, who recently faced criticism for his support of abortion rights. The Pope’s comments reflect a growing concern regarding the Catholic Church’s role in American civil society and the moral implications of immigration policies.
In response to the Pope’s remarks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt firmly refuted claims of inhumane treatment of immigrants under the current administration, stating, “I would reject there is inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants in the United States under this administration.” She pointed to past administrations for the significant harm faced by immigrants at the southern border.
Prior to his papacy, Leo, known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, expressed criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, indicating a longstanding commitment to advocating for humane treatment of migrants.
During the press conference, Pope Leo also addressed the upcoming honor for Durbin at a Catholic event. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation but reiterated the importance of considering the broad spectrum of issues related to Church teachings. “I understand the difficulty and the tensions. But I think it’s important to consider many issues,” said the Pope.
The situation escalated further when Cardinal Blase Cupich announced that Durbin would receive a lifetime achievement award for his support of migrants. However, this decision faced backlash from critics, including Bishop Thomas Paprocki, who has withheld Communion from Durbin due to his stance on abortion.
In light of the controversy, Durbin has since declined the award, prompting a statement from Cupich expressing disappointment but respect for Durbin’s choice. Cupich emphasized that the award was intended to honor Durbin’s commitment to immigrants, a pressing issue in today’s political climate.
As the Pope’s comments reverberate through the political landscape, they highlight the urgent need for dialogue and action on immigration and pro-life issues. The Pope called for mutual respect among all parties involved, stressing that “total condemnation is not the way forward, for it shuts down discussion.”
With the U.S. Catholic community divided over these critical issues, the Pope’s remarks may serve as a catalyst for renewed discussions on how faith and politics intersect in the pursuit of social justice.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
