Chicago-born Pope Leo, spiritual leader of 250 million Catholics, has emerged as a major influence. Since taking office, he has become an active opponent of many of the policies of the Trump administration. Since being elected in May, Pope Leo has already vigorously condemned what he describes as today’s “inhumane” policies. Above all, he focuses on the ways these policies undermine human dignity, decency, and faith. Pope Leo’s moral authority and political savvy are formidable. With his high international profile, he is proving to be an unlikely but growing strong challenger to Trump’s rule.
This last point is especially relevant considering in recent months, Pope Leo’s been ripping Trump’s main policies—particularly on immigration and climate change—to shreds. The Pope has demanded that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency stop treating migrants like “cattle” and reexamine their practices. First, he encourages the agency to reconsider its “demonization” of migrants coming to find refuge within the country. According to official figures, over 2 million “illegal aliens” have undergone involuntary removal this year. What is more, we are witnessing record high numbers of detentions.
Pope Leo’s position seems to ring true with many of today’s Catholics — roughly 1 in 5 U.S. adults (22%) are Catholic. It’s no surprise then that more than four in ten U.S. Catholics are immigrants or the children of immigrants. Unfortunately, these communities have been under direct assault during Trump’s administration. Last year, Pope Leo won 55% of the Catholic vote. In recent months, his star has faded as conservative critics derisively dub him the “woke pope.”
Additionally, Pope Leo would likely be dismayed by the extensive use of U.S. military intervention overseas. He condemned attacks on suspected drug traffickers with lethal force in the Caribbean and towards Venezuela. He encouraged more compassion and understanding when addressing challenges all around the world. His words shine a light on a larger need for compassion and basic decency as levels of violence continue to increase.
On the first day of Cop30, Pope Leo didn’t mince words in calling out Trump’s climate crisis denial. He proclaimed that “God’s creation is crying out” for us to act now. His comments highlight an increasing impatience among religious leaders with both the destruction of our shared environment and the failure to address climate change through policy.
No wonder Pope Leo’s approach has captured imaginations not only for its moral content but for its political consequences. He has actively supported the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and collaborated with clergy and grassroots activists to oppose Trump’s policies. This newly formed coalition is emblematic of the broader movement within the Catholic Church to shape the Church’s involvement in offering advocacy on urgent social concerns.
Although subjected to attacks from the traditionalist wing of conservatism, the young Pope Leo persists in his prophetic journey. He inspires faith that puts dignity of the human person and compassion for others above exclusionary politics. In a recent statement from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), they affirmed their commitment to opposing “the indiscriminate mass deportation of people” while praying for an end to “dehumanizing rhetoric and violence.”
The Pope’s admonitions go beyond immigration and climate action. In addition, he has decried the rising movement of Christian nationalism within his own country, the U.S. In an op-ed published by The New York Times, he stated, “Christian nationalism is particular rather than universal. It is about protecting ‘us’ against ‘them’ – the native versus the immigrant. It is about power more than love. It is about threat more than hope.” This understanding makes sense to us, as we believe that these ideologies are against the fundamental teachings of Christianity.
Pope Leo serves as a compelling counter-narrative to Trump’s policies and rhetoric. Today his voice remains a moral compass for the millions of Americans disillusioned by the current political landscape. His commitment to advocating for marginalized communities and addressing global crises reflects a broader trend within religious leadership towards activism on social justice issues.