Pope Leo Condemns Immigrant Mistreatment as 'Grave Crime'

In a forceful denunciation from the Vatican, Pope Leo labeled the mistreatment of immigrants a 'grave crime,' reinforcing his stance on immigration just weeks after critiquing U.S. President Donald Trump’s stringent policies. The pontiff emphasized a global moral responsibility to offer refuge to those in need, underscoring government duties to migrant welfare.

Addressing international grassroots groups, Leo made clear that abusing vulnerable migrants is not a rightful exercise of sovereignty but a severe violation tantamount to trashing humanity itself. Such actions, he argued, are increasingly normalized and even glorified in political rhetoric.

Elected in May to succeed Pope Francis, Leo's burgeoning opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration stances sparked controversy among conservative Catholics. His recent document released on October 9 reiterated the call to support immigrants, mirroring Francis' staunch rebuke of anti-immigration measures.