Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, has ignited a fierce debate within the Catholic Church and across the U.S. political spectrum after publicly criticizing President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies. On Tuesday, October 1, 2025, during a press conference at the Vatican, Leo XIV questioned whether those who oppose abortion but support the inhumane treatment of immigrants can truly be considered "pro-life." His comments, delivered in response to a reporter’s question about the Chicago Archdiocese’s plan to honor Senator Dick Durbin—a longtime advocate for both abortion and immigrant rights—with a lifetime achievement award, have sent shockwaves through conservative Catholic circles and the broader American political landscape.
"Someone who says 'I'm against abortion but says I am in favor of the death penalty' is not really pro-life," Leo XIV stated, according to HuffPost. "Someone who says that 'I'm against abortion, but I'm in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States,' I don't know if that's pro-life." The pope’s words struck a nerve, not only because of their substance but also because they came from a leader whom many traditionalist Catholics had recently embraced as a symbol of hope for the Church’s return to its roots.
Leo XIV’s remarks were particularly pointed given the context. The Chicago Archdiocese’s decision to honor Senator Durbin—a Democrat from Illinois, which is also the pope’s home state—was already controversial among U.S. conservatives because of Durbin’s support for abortion rights. By weighing in, the pope placed himself squarely at the intersection of two of America’s most contentious moral and political debates: abortion and immigration.
The response from the Trump administration was swift and unequivocal. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, herself a devout Catholic known for praying with her staff before briefings, rebuked the pope’s remarks during a press conference on Wednesday, October 2. "I would reject there was inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants in the United States under this administration," Leavitt said, as reported by Reuters. She went on to blame the previous Biden administration for what she called "significant inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants," including trafficking, rape, beatings, and killings. Leavitt also claimed that some illegal immigrants themselves were responsible for inhumane acts.
For many conservative Catholics, Leo XIV’s critique was a shock. After all, his early months as pope had been marked by gestures that delighted traditionalists: he wore the red mozzetta (a traditional papal cape) in public, allowed American Cardinal Raymond Burke to celebrate the Latin Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, and met with Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea—both figures who had been marginalized under Pope Francis. These moves were seen as a clear signal that Leo XIV would restore many of the Church’s traditional rites and steer clear of highly divisive issues, especially those surrounding sexuality and gender.
Yet, as Reuters noted, the goodwill Leo XIV had built with conservative factions quickly eroded after his pointed remarks about immigration. Former Texas Bishop Joseph Strickland, who had previously criticized Francis but initially supported Leo XIV, accused the pope of "creating confusion about the position of the sanctity of the life of the Church." On social media, Strickland called on the pope to "stop giving interviews and return to his previous silence." The traditionalist Catholic blog Rorate Caeli echoed this sentiment, lamenting, "We are tired of the Pope's visits. He should go back to being silent."
Despite the backlash, Vatican officials and close associates of the pope have made it clear that Leo XIV will not back down. Cardinal Michael Czerny, a former papal advisor, defended the pope’s stance, stating, "The pope is practicing St. Paul's teaching to proclaim the truth in season and out of season." Vatican insiders underscored that Leo XIV’s deep concern for immigrants and vulnerable groups is rooted in his decades as a missionary in Peru, where he witnessed firsthand the plight of the marginalized. Elise Allen, a papal biographer, told Penguin Books, "He understood the importance of the abortion issue, but he would not say it was more important than immigration."
Observers like David Gibson, director of the Center for Religion and Culture at Fordham University, argue that conservatives may have misread Leo XIV’s intentions. "Conservatives thought the pope was their ally, but he never was," Gibson explained. "They grasped at his gestures as if he were endorsing their entire agenda. Leo was never going to do that." Indeed, while Leo XIV has embraced certain traditionalist customs, he has also shown openness to groups previously marginalized by the Church. Last month, he met with James Martin, an American priest known for his ministry to LGBT Catholics—a move that drew ire from some conservative factions.
The pope’s comments have also reopened a broader debate about what it truly means to be "pro-life." As RebelMouse highlighted, Leo XIV’s statement was an explicit critique of American conservative politicians and Supreme Court justices who claim the pro-life mantle when it comes to abortion, but support harsh immigration policies and the death penalty. The Catholic Church’s support for immigrants is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, with numerous passages calling for the dignified and compassionate treatment of strangers and foreigners.
For many Americans, the pope’s remarks cut to the heart of a longstanding tension: the challenge of reconciling political and spiritual beliefs, especially on complex issues like abortion, the death penalty, and immigration. Studies have shown that when faced with a conflict between their political party and the Church, people are often more likely to hold tightly to their political convictions. In calling for conscience over partisanship, Leo XIV is urging Catholics—and all Americans—to embrace a higher calling, one that places humanity above political allegiance.
In February 2025, before his election as pope, then-Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost publicly criticized Vice President JD Vance’s claim about a rigid biblical hierarchy of love, stating, "JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others." This earlier intervention foreshadowed Leo XIV’s willingness to challenge political leaders when he believes the Church’s teachings are at stake.
As the dust settles from this latest controversy, one thing is clear: Pope Leo XIV is determined to chart his own course, even if it means ruffling feathers on both sides of the ideological divide. His blend of traditionalism and social conscience reflects a cautious but firm approach, aiming for unity within a polarized global Church while refusing to compromise on core values. Whether his vision will succeed in bridging the gap between the Church’s teachings and the realities of modern politics remains to be seen—but for now, the world is watching.
