---
title: "Pope Leo tells US bishops to address Trump's immigration crackdown"
description: "VATICAN CITY, Oct 8 (Reuters) - Pope Leo told U.S. bishops visiting him at the Vatican on Wednesday that they should firmly address how immigrants are being treated by President Donald Trump's hardline policies, attendees said, in the latest push by the pontiff on the issue."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Newsdeck"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-10-08-pope-leo-tells-us-bishops-to-address-trumps-immigration-crackdown/"
published: "2025-10-08T13:11:45"
updated: "2025-10-08T13:11:47"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 303
---

# Pope Leo tells US bishops to address Trump's immigration crackdown

> VATICAN CITY, Oct 8 (Reuters) - Pope Leo told U.S. bishops visiting him at the Vatican on Wednesday that they should firmly address how immigrants are being treated by President Donald Trump's hardline policies, attendees said, in the latest push by the pontiff on the issue.

By Reuters · Published 8 October 2025, 15:11 SAST · Updated 8 October 2025, 15:11 SAST

## Key points
- In a heartwarming twist, the newly elected Pope Leo has traded his predecessor's off-the-cuff barbs for a more measured tone, yet he's still feeling the heat as he grapples with the plight of immigrants under Trump’s policies, urging U.S. bishops to raise their voices for those living in fear of deportation.
- Pope Leo, the first U.S. pope, received letters from immigrants expressing fears of deportation under Trump policies during a meeting with bishops and social workers.
- El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz highlighted the pope's personal concern and desire for the U.S. Bishops' Conference to advocate strongly on immigration issues.
- While initially reserved, Pope Leo has recently intensified his criticism of anti-immigration policies, questioning their alignment with Catholic pro-life teachings.
- The pope met with American Catholics involved in migrant ministry, expressing gratitude for their efforts amid ongoing fears in immigrant communities.

## Content

By Joshua McElwee

Leo, the first U.S. pope, was handed dozens of letters from immigrants describing their fears of deportation under the Trump administration's policies during the meeting, which included bishops and social workers from the U.S.-Mexico border.

"Our Holy Father … is very personally concerned about these matters," El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz, who took part in the meeting, told Reuters. "He expressed his desire that the U.S. Bishops' Conference would speak strongly on this issue."

"It means a lot to all of us to know of his personal desire that we continue to speak out," said Seitz.

The Vatican did not immediately comment on the pope's meeting.

Elected in May to replace the late Pope Francis, Leo has shown a [much more reserved style](https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?search=all%3AL8N3UR18S&linkedFromStory=true) than his predecessor, who frequently criticised the Trump administration and often spoke in surprise, off-the-cuff remarks.

But Leo has been ramping up his criticism in recent weeks.

The pope [questioned](https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?search=all%3AL5N3VH1K6&linkedFromStory=true) on September 30 whether the Trump administration's anti-immigration policies were in line with the Catholic Church's pro-life teachings, in comments that drew [heated backlash](https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?search=all%3AL5N3VI1JK&linkedFromStory=true) from some prominent conservative Catholics.

The White House has said Trump was elected based on his many promises, including to deport criminal illegal aliens.

One of the letters given to the pope on Wednesday, shared with Reuters, described a family with two members who did not have legal permission to stay in the U.S. and who were afraid to leave the house for fear of deportation.

"I believe the Pope should speak out openly against the raids and the unfair treatment the community is experiencing," read the letter, written in Spanish.

Leo also met privately with a group of about 100 American Catholics involved in ministry with migrants on Tuesday evening, thanking them for their work.

(Reporting by Joshua McElweeEditing by Ros Russell)