Pope Leo XIV said Americans should reflect on the treatment of migrants held in detention, noting that “many people who have lived for years and years and years, never causing problems, have been deeply affected by what is going on right now.”
Speaking to reporters outside the papal retreat, he said scripture poses a final question: “How did you receive the foreigner, did you receive him and welcome him, or not?”
He added that the “spiritual rights of people who have been detained should also be considered,” and urged authorities to allow pastoral workers access to migrants separated from their families.
The pope said he recently encouraged visiting labor union leaders from Chicago to advocate for immigrants and welcome minorities into their ranks.
Asked about lethal strikes on suspected drug traffickers off Venezuela, Leo said the military actions were “increasing tension,” adding: “The thing is to seek dialogue.”
On the Middle East, he described the first phase of the Israel-Hamas peace accord as “very fragile” and said the parties must find a way forward on future governance “and how you can guarantee the rights of all peoples.”
Addressing reports of Israeli settler attacks in the West Bank, he called the settlement issue “complex,” saying: “Israel has said one thing, then it’s done another sometimes. We need to try to work together for justice for all peoples.”
Pope Leo will receive Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Vatican on Thursday, and plans to travel to Turkey and Lebanon at the end of November.
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Source: Reuters, Associated Press