Pope Leo XIV stands with migrants against U.S. immigration crackdown

VATICAN CITY — In a significant meeting, Pope Leo XIV received El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz on Wednesday, bringing with him a packet of heartfelt letters from immigrant families deeply impacted by the U.S. immigration crackdown. This encounter occurred amid heightened tensions and aggressive tactics from the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which have left many families in fear of deportation. Bishop Seitz, who chairs the migration committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed that the letters highlighted the daily dread experienced even by legal migrants and citizens due to federal enforcement actions. Seitz shared a video with Leo XIV detailing the plight of these migrants, portraying grave concerns about safety and community disruption. The letters collected from various individuals revealed stories of trauma and a pervasive atmosphere of anxiety affecting their daily lives. One particularly poignant letter from a woman named Maria, originally from Guatemala and living in San Francisco, encapsulated the desperation and urge for intervention, pleading with Pope Leo XIV to appeal to President Trump on their behalf. Seitz communicated that Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude for their commitment to the immigrant population and emphasized the need for U.S. bishops to continue advocating on this crucial issue. In addressing the broader implications of the immigration crackdown, Bishop Seitz noted the church's responsibility to uphold the dignity of all individuals and the importance of teaching compassion and care, aligning with the gospel messages. The response from church leaders in the U.S. has been one of denouncement regarding the administration's aggressive policies, which they argue are tearing apart families and instilling fear within communities. This growing concern indicates the widespread implications of immigration enforcement, not only for the migrants themselves but for the broader moral fabric of society. While Pope Leo XIV has generally refrained from overt political discourse since his papacy began, he underscored that contradictions exist when people advocate for life issues yet support inhumane treatment of immigrants. He articulated a sentiment that a true pro-life stance cannot coexist with policies that disregard the dignity of individuals, further challenging church followers to reflect on their beliefs and actions in respect to immigration. In closing, Bishop Seitz articulated a hopeful collaboration with Pope Leo XIV, ensuring that the voices of those suffering would resonate within the church and beyond, as they work collectively toward a more compassionate and just society for all.