Pope Leo on Tuesday delivered his strongest criticism to date of U.S. immigration policy, highlighting the conflict between these policies and the “pro-life” ethic embraced by the American right.
Speaking to reporters outside his residence at Castel Gandolfo, the pontiff said: “Someone who says: I am against abortion, but I approve of the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States… I don’t know if that’s pro-life,” according to Reuters.
The blunt remarks follow the White House’s defense of stricter deportations under President Donald Trump.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said the president was elected on commitments including removing undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes: “He is keeping his promise to the American people.”
Pope Leo’s comments reflected traditional Church teaching that human life is sacred “from conception to natural death.” He outlined a central contradiction: “Someone who says: I am against abortion but in favor of the death penalty is not really pro-life.” In doing so, he underscored differences between stances on abortion and other life issues like the death penalty.
Elected in May to succeed Pope Francis, Leo—the first U.S.-born pope—has a more reserved style than his predecessor, known for direct social commentary. But he still takes firm positions on key issues. “I understand the difficulty and the tensions, but I think—as I have said before—it is important to look at the many issues related to the Church’s teaching,” he said.
This pastoral framing seeks to contrast selective versus holistic approaches to Catholic social teaching.
The pope underscores that care for the most vulnerable, the protection of life, and human dignity are interlinked—not separate. By treating migration as a measure of ethical consistency, he contrasts a coherent ethic with a selective one.
Though the Holy See has not outlined operational demands, the phrase “inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States” squarely challenges some American “pro-life” rhetoric.
By asserting that the president “is keeping his promise,” the White House emphasizes the priority of deporting those convicted of crimes as a matter of public order.
In contrast, Pope Leo criticizes compartmentalizing moral issues, arguing that defending the unborn while tolerating the harsh treatment of migrant families violates the broader principle of human dignity.
Among American Catholics active in public debate, the papal reminder deepens an existing divide: some argue that focusing only on abortion dilutes the integrity of the pro-life message, while others, supporting a broader approach to life issues, see the pope’s stance as reinforcing their perspective.
Pope Leo thus contrasts a checklist approach with a framework aiming for ethical coherence by linking life ethics, welcoming migrants, and opposing capital punishment.
