September 30, 2025

Pope Leo XIV says U.S. immigrant treatment is 'inhuman' and questions a narrow 'pro-life' label

First US-born pope criticizes home country's immigration policy

🛂Immigration🎭Religion & Culture✊Civil Rights

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, made the remarks to reporters outside Castel Gandolfo on Oct. 1, 2025.

He said, '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 Archdiocese of Chicago had planned a Nov. 3 immigration fundraiser honoring Sen. Dick Durbin, but Durbin declined the award after the controversy.

The White House response came from spokesperson Abigail Jackson, who framed the matter as the president keeping campaign promises and defended the administration's enforcement approach.

Several conservative U.S. bishops, including Bishop Thomas Paprocki, publicly objected to honoring Durbin and criticized the pope's intervention.

News outlets reported the Vatican's coverage of the exchange; reporters quoted the pope in Italian and in translation, characterizing his language as calling certain practices 'inhuman.'.

🛂Immigration🎭Religion & Culture✊Civil Rights

Test Your Knowledge

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected Pope Leo XIV's characterization of "inhuman treatment" of immigrants under the Trump administration.

Where is Castel Gandolfo, and why is it significant in papal history?

Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois has denied Senator Durbin Communion since 2004 due to his abortion stance.

Pope Francis, Leo XIV's predecessor, also criticized Trump administration immigration policies before his death.

What is the "Keep Hope Alive" event where Cardinal Cupich plans to honor Senator Durbin?

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People, bills, and sources

Pope Leo XIV

Pontiff; first U.S.-born pope

Abigail Jackson

White House spokesperson

Cardinal Blase Cupich

Archbishop of Chicago

Senator Dick Durbin

U.S. Senator (Illinois)

What you can do

civic action

Monitor U.S. bishops' public statements

Track statements from the USCCB and key diocesan bishops to see whether they align with or distance themselves from the pope's framing.

usccb@

understanding

Track policy and legal challenges to deportation operations

Follow federal court rulings and DOJ filings that constrain or authorize deportation activity and monitor reported arrest counts and court orders.

publicaffairs@

practicing

Watch congressional testimony and hearings

Note statements and votes in the Senate and House on immigration enforcement funding or rule changes after Oct. 1, 2025.

contact@