In an address before TV reporters outside of papal retreat Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo warned against US bombing of Venezuelan ships and encouraged “deep reflection” on the treatment of migrants in the United States.
This is the first time the American-born pope has pointed a finger at Trump.
He “lamented the situations of those who lived in the US “for years and years never causing problems, who have been deeply affected”.
The comment was made in English.
He reminded of the Catholic belief that every Christian is judged in terms of how they welcome “the foreigner”.
Last month, he called Trump’s hardline policy “inhuman”.
Leo is in many ways a continuer of Francis’ legacy, his philosophy having been formed after years of missionary work in Peru.
He has pleased for pastoral support for those targeted in ICE raids — who are mostly Catholic, coming from South and Latin America.
Pope Leo didn’t take kindly to the act that detainees in an immigration center in his native Chicago are not being allowed communion.
Switching to Italian on the subject of Venezuela, he mused that violent wouldn’t win and will increase tension rather than defend peace.
In October, Pope Leo published his first major document, “Dilexi Te”, which appeals to mercy and generosity towards the poor and migrants.
