Pope Leo Criticized by Catholic Conservatives for Immigration Statements

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope elected in May, was enthusiastically welcomed by conservative Catholics for his symbolic gestures and return to traditions shunned by his predecessor, Pope Francis. However, according to Reuters, the honeymoon appears to have quickly ended after the sovereign pontiff criticized US President Donald Trump's tough immigration policies, questioning their coherence with the Catholic Church's pro-life teachings. "Someone who says he is against abortion but agrees with the inhumane treatment of immigrants in the United States, I don't know if he is pro-life," Pope Leo said, causing consternation among his conservative supporters. Reactions were not long in coming: Bishop Joseph Strickland, a well-known critic of Francis but initially close to Leon, accused the new pope of causing "confusion about the sanctity of human life.” For its part, the Trump administration rejected the accusations of "inhumane treatment,” through spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.

• Between tradition and openness

Although cautious and attentive to the unity of the Church, Pope Leon seems determined not to give up on his values. Cardinal Michael Czerny, close to both Francis and Leon, states, according to Reuters, that the new pontiff "encourages and challenges each local Church to live in the spirit of the Gospel.” Leon, who spent much of his missionary career in Peru, remains sensitive to migrant issues and social causes, even if these put him at odds with part of the conservative camp.

• Continuities and Breaks with Francis

Symbolic differences have been visible since the beginning of his pontificate: Leo has appeared in public in the traditional red mozzetta, which Francis refused to wear, and has allowed previously forbidden Latin masses. At the same time, his opening gestures - such as the audience he granted to an American priest involved in the LGBT community - have been interpreted by conservatives as signs of ambiguity. Pope Leo's central challenge remains finding a balance between fidelity to tradition and the need to respond to acute social problems. For many Catholics, his recent statements confirm that the unity of the Church - the declared goal of the new pontificate - will be tested in the face of internal tensions and external pressures.