New Pope Leo XIV Has Long Opposed JD Vance and Trump on Immigration
The recent election of Pope Leo XIV has sent ripples through both religious and political communities worldwide—not just because of his theological vision, but because of his long-standing and outspoken opposition to the hardline immigration policies associated with American figures like JD Vance and former President Donald Trump.
Known previously as Cardinal Matteo Bellini of Milan, Pope Leo XIV has consistently championed a compassionate, inclusive approach to immigration rooted in Catholic social teaching. Long before ascending to the papacy, he criticized border walls, restrictive refugee policies, and political rhetoric that dehumanizes migrants. His elevation to the papacy signals a continuation—and possibly an intensification—of the Church’s moral challenge to rising nationalism and anti-immigration sentiment.
In contrast to Trump’s “America First” doctrine and JD Vance’s vocal support of strict border enforcement, Leo XIV believes that immigration is not just a policy issue but a humanitarian and spiritual responsibility. In a 2021 address to the Italian Parliament, Bellini (now Leo XIV) said, “To turn our backs on the stranger is to turn our backs on Christ. The dignity of every migrant is equal to that of every citizen.” These words mirror a broader Catholic tradition of advocating for the vulnerable and welcoming the outsider, rooted in scripture and centuries of Church teaching.
JD Vance, now a U.S. Senator from Ohio and a close ally of Donald Trump, has championed immigration restrictions, claiming they are necessary to protect American workers and preserve national culture. He has criticized Catholic leaders in the past for what he calls “naïve globalism” and even suggested that the Church’s position encourages illegal migration. Trump, during his presidency, enacted policies such as family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border and significant reductions in refugee admissions, which were widely condemned by Catholic bishops.
Leo XIV’s vocal opposition to these stances makes him a potentially influential voice in global discussions about immigration. His papacy is expected to put moral pressure not only on U.S. political leaders but also on Catholic voters, many of whom have supported nationalist leaders despite the Church’s teaching on welcoming the stranger.
Some conservative commentators and politicians have already expressed discomfort with Leo XIV’s election. Right-wing media outlets have accused him of being “too political” or “out of touch with modern threats,” while others fear he will use the Vatican’s global influence to undermine hardline immigration agendas.
Still, supporters see Leo XIV as a prophetic voice for justice in a time of growing division. He inherits a Church deeply polarized along political lines, especially in the United States, where Catholic voters are almost evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. Yet Leo XIV has made it clear that for him, immigration is not a partisan issue—it’s a moral one.
As the world watches his first steps as pope, one thing is certain: Pope Leo XIV will not shy away from speaking out on issues of compassion, justice, and human dignity—no matter how politically charged they may be.
