The MAGA crowd has lashed out at the pontiff saying he deosn't have the right to dictate US immigration law

06:45 ET, 05 Nov 2025Updated 06:46 ET, 05 Nov 2025

View 2 ImagesChicago born Pope Leo XIV waves to a crow(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Pope Leo XIV has urged for a "deep reflection" in the United States regarding the treatment of detained migrants at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

He urged US authorities to take action saying: “The authorities must allow pastoral workers to assist with the needs of these people. Many times they have been separated from their families and no one knows what happens."

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He stated: "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."

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The Pope, originally from Chicago, was responding to various geopolitical queries from reporters outside his retreat at Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday.

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The questions ranged from the spiritual rights of migrants in US custody, US military strikes on suspected drug traffickers off Venezuela, to the delicate ceasefire in the Middle East.

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Pope Leo emphasized that scripture poses a question to be asked at the end of the world: "How did you receive the foreigner, did you receive him and welcome him, or not? I think there is a deep reflection that needs to be made about what is happening."

He also highlighted the importance of considering "the spiritual rights of people who have been detained should also be considered,'' and he called on authorities to allow pastoral workers access to the detained migrants.

Last month, Leo encouraged labor union leaders from Chicago to advocate for immigrants and to welcome minorities into their ranks.

Asked about the lethal attacks on suspected drug traffickers off Venezuela, the pontiff said the military action was "increasing tension,'' noting that they were coming even closer to the coastline.

"The thing is to seek dialogue,'' the pope said.

View 2 Images Pope Leo XIV hasn't held back from criticizing US policy(Image: Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

On the Middle East, Leo acknowledged that the first phase of the peace accord between Israel and Hamas remains "very fragile,'' and said that the parties need to find a way forward on future governance "and how you can guarantee the rights of all peoples.''

Asked about Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians i n the West Bank, the pope described the settlement issue as "complex,'' adding: "Israel has said one thing, then it's done another sometimes. We need to try to work together for justice for all peoples.''

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Pope Leo will receive Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Vatican on Thursday. At the end of November he will make his first trip as Pope to Turkey and Lebanon.