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Pope Leo, the first American pope, delivered sharp criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies during an exchange with journalists at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome.
Pope Leo on Tuesday strongly criticized Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies, questioning whether they were in line with the Catholic church’s “pro-life” teachings.
— Guardian US (@us.theguardian.com) 2025-10-01T16:08:00.856Z
In response to a question from an American reporter, he described Trump’s policies as «inhumane».
An immediate backlash from Catholic leaders
According to The Guardian, the pope had been asked about the archdiocese of Chicago’s decision to award the «Keep Hope Alive Award» next month to Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, honoring his role in immigration reform and support for immigrants.
Durbin’s nomination, however, drew immediate backlash from Catholic leaders because of his stance in favor of abortion rights, prompting the Cardinal of Chicago to withdraw it.
«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 inhuman treatment of immigrants
Addressing the issue, the pope told Reuters: «It is very important to look at the overall work that the senator has done.» He then broadened his reflection on what it truly means to be pro-life, drawing a contrast with Trump’s record: «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.»
He further expanded his criticism following Trump’s announcement of plans to introduce the death penalty in Washington and extend it nationwide: «Someone who says I am against abortion but says I am in favour of the death penalty is not really pro-life.»
In response, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended the president, stressing that Trump was elected on the basis of numerous promises, including the pledge to deport «criminal illegal aliens», and added: «He is keeping his promise to the American people.»
Pope Leo multiplies criticism of Trump’s policies
Since his election in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has kept a measured tone in politics, yet he has not hesitated to challenge U.S. President Donald Trump on moral grounds. His remarks reflect a longer concern with U.S. immigration policies and the broader meaning of being truly «pro-life».
Even before becoming pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost had shared content critical of Trump’s immigration agenda. On social media, he reposted statements from Catholic leaders such as Cardinal Blase Cupich condemning family separations at the border as incompatible with Christian values. He also pointed to the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man deported under Trump’s policies, to highlight the «human suffering» caused by strict enforcement.
After his election, Leo signaled that human dignity, especially the treatment of migrants, would be central to his pontificate. In his first speeches, he stressed the Church’s duty to protect the vulnerable, a stance observers noted could put him at odds with Trump’s administration.
Pope Leo XIV blasted Trump’s “inhuman” treatment of immigrants, offering his most pointed criticism yet of U.S. policy.
— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast.bsky.social) 2025-10-01T14:34:19.675920Z
