Pope Leo Condemns Treatment of Migrants in the U.S.: 'It Is Extremely Disrespectful'

Pope Leo criticized the United States' approach to immigration enforcement, saying migrants are being treated in an "extremely disrespectful way" and urging Catholics to take seriously a statement issued last week by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops condemning mass deportations and the climate of fear surrounding immigration raids.

Speaking to reporters outside the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo, the Chicago-born pontiff said the bishops' statement was "very important," adding that migrants should be "treated humanely, treated with the dignity that they have."

He acknowledged that "every country has a right to determine who and how and when people enter," but said many immigrants "living good lives" for decades have been subjected to treatment that he described as "extremely disrespectful," as The Guardian reports.

Leo said that the United States has legal tools to address immigration violations and that these should be used in a way that respects human dignity. "There are courts; there's a system of justice," he said.

The comments build on earlier critiques by the Pope of immigration enforcement in the Trump Administration. On November 5, he called for "deep reflection" in the United States about the treatment of migrants held in detention, saying that "many people who have lived for years and years and years, never causing problems, have been deeply affected by what is going on right now."

He emphasized that the "spiritual rights of people who have been detained should also be considered" and urged authorities to allow pastoral workers access to detainees, noting that many are separated from their families and uncertain of their legal situation.

Back in early October, Pope Leo also questioned whether U.S. immigration policies were consistent with Catholic teaching, asking: "someone who says I am against abortion but I am in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States, I don't know if that's pro-life." The White House later rejected his characterization, saying it enforced immigration laws "in the most humane way possible."

The pope's remarks come amid broader geopolitical tensions involving the United States, including military operations against suspected drug traffickers off Venezuela. Asked about the strikes, Leo said the actions were "increasing tension" and reiterated that "the thing is to seek dialogue."

On Tuesday, after addressing immigration, Leo also released a video message to bishops participating in the Cop30 climate summit in Brazil, warning that "creation is crying out in floods, droughts, storms and relentless heat" and urged political leaders to act with "true leadership," saying the Paris Agreement remains the "strongest tool for protecting people and the planet."