In a powerful address this week, Pope Leo denounced the global treatment of migrants and refugees, stating they are often regarded as "worse than house pets." The pontiff's remarks come amid ongoing debates over immigration policies worldwide, particularly those in the United States under former President Donald Trump.
"We see people fleeing war, poverty, and persecution, only to be met with indifference and cruelty," the Pope said. "It is unacceptable that we treat human beings with less dignity than we afford our animals."
The Pope has been a vocal critic of restrictive immigration measures, previously calling for more compassionate approaches to refugee resettlement. His latest comments underscore the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis at borders and the moral obligation to welcome the stranger.