Pope Leo Urges ‘Deep Reflection’ on US Migrant Policy, Warns Trump Over Venezuela Tensions
Pope Leo has called for “deep reflection” in the United States over its treatment of migrants under President Donald Trump, saying the country must not lose its moral compass amid sweeping deportation policies and growing regional instability.
In one of his strongest statements yet on U.S. policy, the first-ever American-born pope expressed concern that many migrants who have lived in the United States “for years and years” are being “torn from their families and communities” under the Trump administration’s controversial mass deportation campaign.
“This is a moment that calls for deep reflection not just by leaders, but by all people of conscience,” Pope Leo said during an address at the Vatican on Friday. “A nation’s greatness is not measured by the walls it builds, but by the compassion it shows.”
The pontiff said he was “deeply saddened” by reports of widespread detentions and deportations affecting long-settled immigrant families, including those with American-born children. He urged the United States to lead “not through fear, but through fairness and humanity.”
Turning to international issues, Pope Leo also cautioned against escalating tensions following the U.S. bombing of Venezuelan ships suspected of transporting narcotics. The pontiff said while nations have a right to protect themselves from criminal networks, such actions must not endanger innocent lives or destabilize the region.
“Violence, even when justified by security concerns, risks sowing deeper divisions,” he said. “The path to peace lies in dialogue, respect for sovereignty, and a commitment to justice.”
The remarks mark a rare direct rebuke of President Trump’s foreign and domestic policies by the pope, whose moral influence extends far beyond the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo’s comments come amid mounting criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operations, which have seen thousands of undocumented migrants detained and deported in recent months.
The White House has defended the measures as necessary to “restore law and order,” while opponents call them inhumane and politically motivated.
Human rights groups have urged the Vatican to continue speaking out, noting that many migrant families are experiencing “trauma and fear” due to aggressive deportation raids.
Reaffirming the Church’s commitment to social justice, Pope Leo said the plight of migrants and refugees remains a test of global conscience.
“The Church cannot be silent when the vulnerable are treated as disposable,” he said. “Every human being regardless of origin or status carries the image of God.”
Observers say the pope’s intervention could heighten tensions between the Vatican and Washington, where Trump has increasingly clashed with faith leaders over immigration, climate policy, and human rights.
The Vatican is expected to release a fuller transcript of the pontiff’s address over the weekend, along with new policy recommendations for Catholic charities working with displaced families in North America and Latin America.
