Archive · 22 Dec 2025
Pope Leo's US Bishops Criticize Trump's Immigration Policies
Pope Leo has been appointing new bishops in the U.S. who are critical of President Trump's strict immigration policies.
Most of these bishops believe that treating immigrants fairly is an important part of being pro-life, which is a key teaching of the Catholic Church.
Some of the new bishops are immigrants themselves and have even joined protests or helped immigrants in court.
These appointments are significant because bishops usually stay in their roles for a long time, and this could influence how the Church responds to immigration issues in the future.
Pope Leo has appointed 13 new U.S. bishops, with 10 criticizing Trump's immigration policies.
New York's new Archbishop, Bishop Ronald Hicks, is a former missionary who supports a statement against Trump's immigration crackdown.
Four of Leo's chosen bishops are immigrants, and one spent his childhood in Mexico.
Bishops have participated in protests and accompanied immigrants to court to prevent ICE arrests.
Pope Leo's appointments signal a broader interpretation of pro-life teachings to include fair treatment of immigrants.
- Who
- Pope Leo and newly appointed U.S. bishops
- What
- Criticism of Trump's immigration policies and appointments of new bishops
- When
- Appointments made in the first seven months of Leo's papacy
- Where
- U.S. cities including New York, San Diego, Austin, and Pittsburgh
- Why
- To shape the Church's response to Trump's immigration policies and uphold pro-life teachings
- Pope Leo's Appointments
- 13 new U.S. bishops, 10 have spoken on immigration
- New York Archbishop
- Bishop Ronald Hicks, former missionary in El Salvador
- U.S. Catholic Population
- 2.8 million in New York
- Immigrant Bishops
- 4 of Leo's choices are immigrants
- Trump's Immigration Crackdown
- Includes National Guard deployment and ICE raids
- Pope Leo's Stance
- Questions if anti-immigrant policies align with pro-life teachings
- Bishop Protests
- Bishops have accompanied immigrants to court and participated in protests