Pope Leo criticizes U.S. immigration policies, White House pushes back

For the first time since celebrating his inaugural Mass, Pope Leo, the American pontiff from Chicago, is weighing in on U.S. politics

(NBC)- For the first time since celebrating his inaugural Mass, Pope Leo, the American pontiff from Chicago, is weighing in on U.S. politics — and taking aim at President Trump’s immigration policies.

Speaking on the issue of morality and policy, Pope Leo said: “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. These are very complex issues… but I would ask first and foremost that there be greater respect for one another.”

His comments follow those of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who also criticized the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

The White House quickly pushed back. When asked to respond, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “I would reject that there is inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants in the United States under this administration. There was, however, significant inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants in the previous administration as they were being trafficked and raped and beaten and, in many cases, killed over our United States southern border.”

The exchange underscores how deeply divisive immigration policy remains in American politics — now drawing sharp commentary even from the Vatican.