In a moment of deep political division and humanitarian crisis, Pope Leo has urged Catholics around the world to welcome and protect immigrants — as President Trump intensifies his 2025 immigration crackdown, reviving mass deportations, family separations, and ICE workplace raids. The Trump administration’s immigration policies, which have led to increased hardships for migrant communities, stand in stark contrast to Pope Leo’s call for compassion and hospitality.
A Modern Papal Message Rooted in Catholic Tradition
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.” — Pope Leo, speaking to journalists outside Castel Gandolfo, October 1, 2025 (The Guardian)
Another relevant excerpt from his October 5, 2025 address in St. Peter’s Square:
“Immigrants should not be treated with the coldness of indifference or the stigma of discrimination. … Open our arms and hearts to them, welcoming them as brothers and sisters, and being for them a presence of consolation and hope.” (reuters.com)
Pope Leo delivered these remarks from a prepared text, underscoring the formal and intentional nature of his message.
White House Response to Pope Leo’s September 2025 Remarks
After Pope Leo’s September statement that “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 Trump administration quickly pushed back.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, told reporters that the Pope’s characterization was unfair:
“I would reject there was inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants in the United States under this administration. This administration is trying to enforce our nation’s laws in the most humane way possible, and we are upholding the law.” — Politico
A follow-up briefing later the same day reinforced the stance:
“She rejected the characterisation of inhumane treatment of immigrants. We are doing that on behalf of the people of our country who live here.” — Reuters (via Politico summary)
Broader Administration Criticism
Former ICE official and Trump advisor Tom Homan, responding to wider Vatican criticism of U.S. immigration policy, said in an interview earlier in 2025:
“He ought to focus on his work and leave enforcement to us. He’s got a wall around the Vatican, does he not?” — Le Monde
Prominent conservative Catholics have also weighed in on the Vatican’s criticism, with some supporting the Pope’s emphasis on compassion for migrants, while others have criticized the Church’s stance as being out of touch with national security concerns.
Context and Contrast
While Pope Leo’s remarks emphasized moral responsibility toward immigrants, administration officials framed their policies as law-and-order priorities aimed at national security.
Immigration Lawyer Richard Herman: “The White House defended its actions as ‘humane law enforcement,’ while the Pope framed them as a test of Christian conscience.”
Pope Leo’s statement called on Catholics to “see Christ in the faces of migrants and refugees.” He urged the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics to care for immigrants, emphasizing the universal responsibility to uphold their dignity and provide support.
The Pope’s words echo over a century of Catholic social teaching on labor, justice, and human dignity — stretching back to Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical Rerum Novarum in 1891.
That encyclical introduced the Church’s framework for economic justice, condemning exploitation and defending workers’ rights. Today, the same moral logic extends to immigrants — who, as Pope Leo noted, “are too often treated as commodities, not as human beings created in the image of God.”
In 2020, Pope Francis’s Fratelli Tutti reaffirmed the Church’s call for universal fraternity and compassion toward migrants. Now, Pope Leo’s appeal builds upon that lineage, situating immigration within a broader moral struggle between Christian solidarity and political nationalism.
“Love of the stranger is not a choice,” Pope Leo declared. “It is a commandment written into the Gospel itself.”
Trump’s 2025 Immigration Crackdown and Catholic Reactions
The Trump immigration crackdown in 2025 has reignited national tension. Following his re-election, Trump signed a series of executive orders expanding deportations, reactivating the “Remain in Mexico” program, and restricting asylum claims. ICE arrests** increased 47%** compared to 2024, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security.
Meanwhile, family detention centers have reopened, and new raids have targeted immigrant laborers at factories, hotels, and even churches. Many of those affected are migrants fleeing violence, a particularly vulnerable group that the Church has emphasized must be protected and supported. Critics say the policy mirrors the 2018 zero-tolerance approach that separated thousands of children from parents at the border.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) condemned the escalation, releasing a statement that “no political objective justifies tearing families apart.” Read more at USCCB Migration and Refugee Services.
“Catholic leaders say Trump’s policies conflict with core Gospel values.”
Faith-based organizations — including Catholic Charities USA and the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) — have mobilized emergency response teams to provide legal aid and humanitarian relief to detained immigrants.
U.S. Bishops, Priests, and Lay Catholics Speak Out
Across the United States, bishops and parish leaders have joined Pope Leo’s moral appeal. Local clergy have played a vital role in supporting immigrants and advocating for compassionate policies within their communities.
- Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago called the administration’s deportation raids “a wound to the soul of our nation.”
- Bishop Seitz of El Paso, long a border advocate, warned that “the Church cannot be silent when human dignity is crushed under political rhetoric.”
- Sister Norma Pimentel, director of Catholic Charities Rio Grande Valley, continues to shelter hundreds of migrant families, saying, “We do what our faith compels us to do — to serve and protect.”
The Jesuit Refugee Service USA has launched new legal clinics for asylum seekers, while Migration and Refugee Services coordinates housing for families released from detention. Parish-level “sanctuary ministries” have re-emerged nationwide.
“Helping immigrants is not partisan politics — it’s Christian discipleship.”
The Human Toll — Immigrant Families in Fear
For immigrant families, the crackdown has produced both fear and chaos, resulting in immense suffering for those caught in its wake.
In Los Angeles, 43-year-old María Lopez was detained during an ICE raid at her workplace, leaving her three children — all U.S. citizens — in temporary foster care. In Houston, a Catholic parish reported 70% attendance drop after Sunday Mass raids began.
According to TRAC Immigration Data, deportation orders have reached their highest level since 2019, with more than 740,000 pending cases before the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Meanwhile, faith-based shelters across border states report record requests for food, legal help, and sanctuary.
“Faith communities have become the last refuge for many immigrant families.”
Churches from California to Ohio have quietly reopened sanctuaries, echoing the 1980s refugee protection movement. Volunteers prepare meals, raise bail funds, and accompany families to ICE check-ins.
Catholic Social Teaching and Political Tensions
The Catholic Church’s stance on immigration derives from one simple doctrine: every person is created in God’s image and possesses inalienable dignity. This is the foundation of Catholic social teaching, which includes:
- The common good
- The preferential option for the poor
- The solidarity of all humanity
This commitment to human dignity and solidarity is deeply rooted in ancient Christian tradition, which has long guided the Church’s approach to social justice and hospitality.
Trump’s nationalist rhetoric — “America First” — clashes with this vision of global fraternity. While some Catholic voters support stricter border control, the Vatican and U.S. bishops maintain that moral duty transcends political loyalty.
“Catholic teaching insists that every migrant possesses an inherent dignity.”
The tension has spilled into parishes and pews, dividing Catholic communities along ideological lines. Yet Pope Leo continues to emphasize that faith and immigration are inseparable. He reminds believers:
“We cannot proclaim the Gospel while turning our backs on the suffering.”
Global Faith, Local Action
From Rome to Rio, the Church’s response has been both spiritual and practical, reflecting the evolving mission of the global church in this new missionary age. The Church emphasizes the importance of missionary vocations and missionary cooperation among particular churches, fostering unity and renewed missionary cooperation to address the needs of migrants and refugees worldwide. In this new missionary age leo, the south should be welcomed, and the presence of many brothers and sisters from the world’s South is seen as a spiritual opportunity for renewal and cultural exchange within the Church. Communities of ancient Christian tradition in the West are called to embrace this renewal, recognizing the vital contributions of migrant brothers and sisters from distant lands.
The Vatican’s Migrants and Refugees Section coordinates direct humanitarian assistance, working with organizations like Caritas Internationalis, Jesuit Refugee Service, and Catholic Relief Services. Their missions support migrants from the world’s south and sisters from the world’s South, highlighting the Church’s commitment to renewed missionary cooperation and solidarity. Pope Leo also stated that all missionaries are called to live with respect within the cultures they encounter in different lands, fostering mutual understanding and solidarity. Young people are encouraged to pursue vocational experiences and missionary vocation, not only in missionary lands and distant lands but also within their own communities, strengthening the Church’s outreach and missionary vocations for the future.
The Church calls for new ideas to inspire hospitality and welcome compassion, urging all believers to practice welcome compassion and solidarity with migrant brothers and many brothers and sisters. The presence of many brothers in our communities is a sign of hope and renewal, as God makes his presence known through acts of love and service.
In Spain, Catholic groups helped resettle 2,000 Syrian refugees.
In Canada, parish networks have sponsored over 500 families under faith-based sponsorship programs. And in the United States, more than 180 dioceses run immigrant legal aid clinics or ESL programs.
Global events such as the jubilee mass, migrants days, and the specially organised weekend event in St. Peter’s Square brought together pilgrims celebrating mass, with Pope Leo XIV addressing the faithful. During these occasions, Leo spoke from a prepared text, and the event allowed many to catch sight of a safe port, their eyes filled with hope as God makes his presence known among those hope seeking a new beginning.
“Charity is global, but compassion begins in the parish.”
Examples of Local Action:
- St. Matthew Parish (Phoenix): offers “Know Your Rights” workshops with CLINIC lawyers.
- St. Brigid Church (Cleveland): partners with local lawyers to connect families with immigration attorneys.
- Sacred Heart Cathedral (El Paso): operates a 24-hour shelter for asylum seekers.
A Moral Call to Action
Pope Leo’s address went beyond politics; it was a plea for moral awakening. He invoked Matthew 25 —
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me” — reminding the faithful that compassion toward immigrants is not optional.
He emphasized that through the Church’s mission of mercy and solidarity, both migrants and the faithful are inspired by a greater hope, one that sustains them in the face of suffering and motivates the pursuit of a brighter future.
“Faith without mercy toward migrants is empty faith.”
The Pope called for:
- Prayer for those detained or deported.
- Advocacy for humane laws and family unity.
- Generosity toward parishes aiding immigrants.
- Courage in standing up to injustice — even when unpopular.
He emphasized that Catholics must bridge divides, showing that compassion is not weakness but strength rooted in the Gospel.
What Can Catholics Do Now? Practical Ways to Help
The Church’s teaching is clear: moral concern must lead to concrete action. Catholics everywhere are encouraged to help immigrants through service, advocacy, and education.
Ways to Support Immigrants:
- Volunteer at local shelters or immigration legal clinics.
- Donate to Catholic Charities and other humanitarian organizations.
- Contact lawmakers urging compassionate immigration reform.
- Accompany families to ICE check-ins or hearings.
- Offer ESL or childcare services to newly arrived immigrants.
- Sponsor refugee families through parish networks.
“Helping immigrants is not just policy — it’s a Gospel mandate.”
Faith-based organizations like Catholic Relief Services and Caritas Internationalis provide ready channels for Catholics to contribute. Meanwhile,CLINICoffers pro bono legal training for parish volunteers to assist families in crisis.
Faith, Politics, and the Future of Immigration
Catholic social teaching has long recognized the tension between national sovereignty and human solidarity. In 1952, Pope Pius XII’s Exsul Familia declared that “the Holy Family of Nazareth, fleeing into Egypt, is the archetype of every refugee family.” That sentiment still guides Vatican policy. Earlier, Pope Leo XIII’s teachings laid the groundwork for the modern “right not to migrate,” advocating that societies have a responsibility to address the root causes of forced migration.
Today, Pope Leo warns that societies which reject migrants “risk losing their moral compass.” He highlighted that many migrants are forced to flee their homelands due to extreme circumstances and experience discrimination and violence. These hope seeking individuals embark on dangerous journeys, driven by the pursuit of safety, peace, and a better life. As climate change, conflict, and inequality drive millions from home, the Church insists that global migration is not a threat but a test of conscience.
“When nations close their doors, they also close their hearts.”
Faith Over Fear: A Message That Transcends Politics
Ultimately, Pope Leo’s message to Catholics is one of hope. In his closing remarks, he urged believers to “build bridges, not walls.” He challenged political leaders to remember that compassion is not weakness — it is civilization’s highest strength.
The Church’s response, though divided in tone, remains united in principle: to defend the dignity of every person, regardless of status, race, or nationality. For many migrants and refugees, the journey is perilous, and they long to catch sight of a safe port—a place where they can finally find safety, compassion, and welcome after fleeing violence and hardship.
“The Church does not ask whether a migrant is legal. It asks whether they are loved.”
Pope Leo’s vision reminds Catholics that their identity transcends borders. Faith, he said, is not about fear — it’s about fidelity to Christ’s command to love the least among us.
FAQs: Pope Leo’s October 2025 Support for Immigrants and Catholic Teaching on Welcoming the Stranger
What did Pope Leo say in October 2025 about immigrants in the United States?
In September and October 2025, Pope Leo made a public appeal urging Catholics to “open their arms and hearts” to immigrants, calling them “brothers and sisters” deserving of dignity and compassion. He condemned “the coldness of indifference and the stigma of discrimination” shown toward migrants, and emphasized that to be truly pro-life, one must also defend the lives and rights of immigrants.
Why were Pope Leo’s remarks in October 2025 so significant?
His comments came amid President Trump’s renewed immigration enforcement campaigns, including large-scale ICE raids, reinstated family detention centers, and a sharp increase in deportations. By explicitly linking pro-life values with compassion for immigrants, Pope Leo challenged both political and religious leaders to align moral consistency with action.
Did Pope Leo criticize the Trump administration directly?
While he did not mention Trump by name, his remarks were widely interpreted as a rebuke of Trump’s 2025 immigration crackdown. The Pope’s reference to “inhumane treatment of immigrants in the United States” prompted an immediate response from the White House, which defended its policies as lawful and humane.
How did the Trump administration respond to Pope Leo’s statements?
The White House rejected Pope Leo’s characterization, saying it “enforces immigration laws humanely” and “upholds the rule of law.” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration disagreed with the notion that its immigration measures were inhumane, emphasizing national security and law enforcement priorities.
How did U.S. Catholic leaders react to Pope Leo’s call?
Many American bishops and Catholic organizations praised Pope Leo’s message. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops reaffirmed that immigration is a “moral issue, not a partisan one.” Leaders from Catholic Charities, the Jesuit Refugee Service, and the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) echoed his appeal for compassion, calling on Catholics to defend the dignity of immigrants and refugees.
What Catholic teachings guide the Church’s view on immigration?
The Church’s stance is rooted in Scripture and the principle of human dignity. Key teachings include:
- Every person has a right to live in peace and safety.
- Nations have a right to protect borders, but not to deny asylum or refuge arbitrarily.
- Welcoming the stranger is a core Christian duty.
- Economic justice and solidarity must guide immigration policy.
These principles are summarized in Catholic social teaching documents such as Rerum Novarum (1891), Pacem in Terris (1963), and Fratelli Tutti (2020).
What does the Bible say about welcoming immigrants and refugees?
Scripture consistently commands compassion for the foreigner.
- Leviticus 19:34: “The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love him as yourself.”
- Matthew 25:35: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
- Deuteronomy 10:19: “Love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
These passages underpin the Church’s moral framework for migration and humanitarian action.
How does the Catholic Church define “the dignity of the migrant”?
The Church teaches that migrants, refugees, and displaced persons possess the same God-given dignity as all people. Dignity does not depend on legal status, citizenship, or nationality. Therefore, policies that dehumanize, detain, or separate families are inconsistent with Catholic moral teaching.
What is Catholic Social Teaching’s position on immigration enforcement?
Catholic social teaching acknowledges that nations may regulate borders but insists that enforcement must be guided by mercy, proportionality, and respect for human rights. The Church opposes measures that criminalize migrants or inflict unnecessary suffering, and instead advocates for reform that prioritizes family unity and lawful pathways to residence.
How did Pope Leo connect pro-life values with immigration?
Pope Leo argued that being pro-life extends beyond opposing abortion; it also includes protecting all human life from violence, poverty, and exclusion. He said that one cannot claim to defend life while tolerating “inhuman treatment of immigrants.” His statement expanded the moral scope of the pro-life ethic to include immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
How have Catholic organizations responded to Pope Leo’s message?
Catholic charities and advocacy groups intensified their outreach after the Pope’s remarks:
- Catholic Charities expanded legal aid for detained migrants.
- The Jesuit Refugee Service launched new resettlement programs.
- CLINIC increased training for parishes to support immigrant families.
- U.S. bishops called for comprehensive immigration reform rooted in human dignity.
What is the Vatican’s role in global migration advocacy?
The Vatican runs the Migrants and Refugees Section under the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. This office coordinates humanitarian relief, refugee resettlement, and policy advocacy worldwide. Pope Leo’s October 2025 remarks reaffirmed the Vatican’s decades-long mission to defend displaced persons and promote international solidarity.
How do Catholic voters in the United States view immigration?
American Catholics are divided. Polling shows that about half support stricter border control, while others align with the Church’s emphasis on compassion and reform. Pope Leo’s statement reignited debate among U.S. Catholics about how faith should inform voting and policy positions on immigration.
Did Pope Leo introduce new policy proposals?
No, his remarks were moral and pastoral rather than political. The Pope does not propose legislation but calls for conscience-driven leadership. His October 2025 message was an appeal to Catholics, not lawmakers, to act with mercy and to treat immigrants as part of the human family.
Why do some conservative Catholics criticize Pope Leo’s stance?
Some critics argue that the Pope’s message blurs the line between moral teaching and political advocacy. Others claim that his focus on immigrants detracts from traditional Church concerns like abortion or religious liberty. However, Vatican officials emphasize that the Church’s mission is holistic, defending life and dignity “from conception to natural death.”
How have immigrant communities responded to Pope Leo’s message?
Many immigrant Catholics in the U.S. expressed gratitude and relief. Parishes with large Latino, Filipino, and African congregations reported that the Pope’s words gave them renewed hope and courage amid fear of deportation and discrimination. Faith-based advocacy groups saw increased participation and volunteer engagement following the address.
What practical steps does the Church encourage Catholics to take to help immigrants?
Catholics are urged to act locally through:
- Volunteering at parish immigration clinics or shelters.
- Supporting families affected by deportation.
- Advocating for humane immigration policies.
- Educating others about Catholic social teaching.
- Donating to reputable Catholic humanitarian organizations.
Helping immigrants is presented as a direct expression of faith and an act of discipleship.
What historical papal teachings does Pope Leo’s message reflect?
His statements align with more than a century of papal teaching. Rerum Novarum (Pope Leo XIII, 1891) first defined the Church’s stance on workers and the poor. Exsul Familia (Pope Pius XII, 1952) recognized refugees as a distinct group requiring compassion. Fratelli Tutti (Pope Francis, 2020) emphasized universal fraternity. Pope Leo’s 2025 message builds upon this moral continuity.
How does the Church balance compassion with national sovereignty?
Catholic teaching holds that nations have a right to secure borders but a duty to treat migrants justly. Laws should respect both the common good and the individual rights of people seeking safety. The Church encourages cooperation between countries to address root causes of migration, such as poverty, violence, and climate change.
What is the Church’s message to Catholics struggling with this issue?
Pope Leo urges believers to move beyond fear and division. His October 2025 remarks remind Catholics that the commandment to love the stranger is not conditional. Compassion for immigrants is not political ideology—it is central to Christian faith.
What is known about Pope Leo’s communication style?
Pope Leo is known for being more reserved in his public addresses and typically speaks from prepared texts. Unlike his predecessor Pope Francis, he tends to avoid off the cuff remarks, preferring carefully considered statements over spontaneous comments.
What is the overall takeaway from Pope Leo’s October 2025 address?
Pope Leo’s appeal was both moral and spiritual: a call to reaffirm the Church’s mission to defend the vulnerable. His message challenged Catholics to measure their faith not by political allegiance, but by their willingness to serve, protect, and stand beside immigrants and refugees as fellow children of God.
Summary:
Pope Leo’s October 2025 message renewed the Church’s moral commitment to immigrants, urging Catholics to welcome the stranger as an act of faith. Grounded in Catholic social teaching, his remarks linked pro-life values with compassion for migrants, reminding the faithful that defending human dignity knows no borders.
Call to Action: Speak with Attorney Richard T. Herman — The Voice for Immigrants
If you’ve been moved by Pope Leo’s call to compassion for immigrants—or if you have questions about how the Catholic Church’s moral teachings on migration connect to your legal rights in the United States—don’t face this journey alone.
For more than 30 years, Attorney Richard T. Herman has stood at the intersection of faith, justice, and immigration law, helping individuals and families navigate the most complex U.S. immigration systems with skill, empathy, and courage.
As the nationally recognized co-author ofImmigrant, Inc., Richard Herman is an evangelist for the economic and community impact of welcoming immigrants. His lifelong mission echoes the Church’s own call: that every person—regardless of status—deserves dignity, fairness, and opportunity.
Whether you’re seeking guidance on:
- Family or humanitarian immigration
- Asylum, adjustment of status, or deportation defense
- Faith-based advocacy or moral support for immigrants in your parish
Richard Herman and the Herman Legal Group are here to help you find clarity and hope.
Your faith calls you to welcome the stranger—our firm helps you protect them.
Schedule your confidential consultation today to discuss your case with compassion and expertise.
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Resource Hub: Pope Leo’s Oct. 2025 Remarks & Catholic Teaching on Immigrants
A. Primary Coverage of Pope Leo’s October 2025 Remarks
- Reuters: Pope Leo urges Catholics to help immigrants (Oct. 5, 2025) – Straight-news recap of the Pope’s call to welcome migrants at St. Peter’s, following remarks perceived as a critique of U.S. immigration policy. The address was delivered in Peter’s Square, the central site for major Vatican events and the Jubilee Mass for migrants. (Reuters) ➜ Read Reuters
- Reuters analysis: Reaction among conservative Catholics (Oct. 2–4, 2025) – Context on how the Pope’s comments shifted debate within U.S. Catholic circles. (Reuters) ➜ Read Reuters Analysis
- Vatican News: Papal call to action on migrants (Oct. 2025) – Vatican outlet summarizing themes of solidarity, rejecting indifference, and concrete assistance. (Vatican News) ➜ Read Vatican News
- National Catholic Reporter: On-the-ground Vatican coverage (Oct. 5, 2025) – Reporting on the Jubilee gathering for migrants and the Pope’s language against “coldness of indifference.” (National Catholic Reporter) ➜ Read NCR Report
“In October 2025, Pope Leo publicly urged Catholics to welcome immigrants and reject indifference—reframing pro-life consistency around dignity for migrants. His remarks were delivered in Peter’s Square during the Jubilee Mass for migrants.” (Reuters)
