Pope Leo to U.S. Bishops: Stand Firm Against Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

Pope Leo XIV has called on American bishops to take a firmer stance against the immigration policies of U.S. President Donald Trump, describing the plight of migrants as a pressing moral concern for the Church.

The pontiff made the appeal during a private session at the Vatican on Wednesday with a delegation of bishops and social workers from the U.S.-Mexico border. The meeting, sources said, was both emotional and forthright, as the first U.S.-born pope listened to letters from migrants detailing fears of deportation and family separation.

“Our Holy Father is very personally concerned about these matters,” said El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz, one of the participants. “He urged the U.S. Bishops’ Conference to speak strongly and clearly on this issue.”

Although the Vatican declined to issue an official statement, attendees told Reuters that Pope Leo underscored the Church’s duty to defend vulnerable communities and uphold the dignity of human life.

Elected in May to succeed the late Pope Francis, Leo XIV has adopted a gentler tone in global affairs but has recently spoken more assertively on immigration. In a September 30 address, he questioned whether Washington’s approach to migrant families aligns with the Church’s humanitarian teachings.

“The forced deportation of long-term residents and targeting of families raise moral questions that cannot be ignored,” he reportedly said.

The White House insists that President Trump’s immigration policy fulfills his campaign promise to remove criminal illegal immigrants and strengthen national security.

One letter handed to the Pope described the daily fear experienced by a migrant family: “We cannot leave the house without anxiety. I believe the Pope should speak out openly against the raids and unfair treatment our community is facing.”

Later on Tuesday, the Pope also met privately with about 100 American Catholics involved in migrant outreach, commending their work and urging continued advocacy for compassion and justice.