In brief
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for labor union leaders from Chicago to advocate for migrants and minorities during a crucial meeting in Rome. As the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration intensifies, Pope Leo urges respect for human dignity and encourages leaders to prioritize these vulnerable communities. Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich supported the Pope's stance, highlighting the significance of unified voices among U.S. bishops on immigration matters.
ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV urged labor union leaders from Chicago on Thursday to advocate for immigrants and welcome minorities into their ranks, weighing in as the Trump administration's crackdown on immigrants intensifies in the pontiff’s hometown.
“While recognizing that appropriate policies are necessary to keep communities safe, I encourage you to continue to advocate for society to respect the human dignity of the most vulnerable,” Leo said during the meeting.
The audience was scheduled ahead of the deployment of National Guard troops to protect federal properties in the Chicago area, including a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building that has seen clashes between protesters and federal agents.
Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, accompanying the labor leaders, commented on Leo's keen awareness of the current predicament, acknowledging his clear mandate that migrants and the impoverished deserve dignified treatment.
“I really didn’t have to tell him much at all, because he seemed to have a handle on what was going on,” Cupich told the AP afterward.
He added that Leo has encouraged U.S. bishops to “speak with one voice” on immigration issues, and he anticipates the upcoming U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting will emphasize this crucial topic.
“This has to be front and center right now. This is the issue of the day. And we can’t dance around it,” Cupich stressed.
Catholic leaders in the U.S. have denounced the Trump administration’s crackdown, which they argue has led to family separations and escalated fears among immigrant families about the prospect of sudden deportations. The administration has defended its immigration measures as necessary for public safety and national security.
“He (Leo) wants us to make sure, as bishops, that we speak out on behalf of the undocumented or anybody who’s vulnerable to preserve their dignity,” Cupich stated, adding that the dignity of all humans must be remembered.
The meeting with labor leaders is the second in as many days where the Pope has listened to U.S. bishops about the crisis surrounding immigration. El Paso bishop Mark Seitz presented Leo with letters from desperate immigrant families in a previous discussion.
As part of his trip to Rome, Cupich also brought a group of Chicago schoolchildren to witness a special greeting from the Pope during his weekly general audience on Wednesday.
