Pope Leo urges US bishops to engage with immigration and defends journalists

Pope Leo XIV urged US bishops during a visit to the Vatican to address the impact of US President Trump's immigration policy on migrants. Leo, the first American pope, expressed this during a meeting with bishops and social workers working at the US-Mexico border. He received dozens of letters from migrants expressing their concern about deportations under Trump's immigration policy. In his first official letter as pope, Leo wrote: "The Church accompanies, like a mother, those who are on the move." "Where the world sees threats, it sees children; where walls are built, it builds bridges. It knows that its proclamation of the Gospel is only credible when it translates into gestures of closeness and acceptance," he added. He further said: "It knows that in every rejected migrant, Christ himself knocks on the door of the community." In a speech to MINDS International executives, Pope Leo also called on the media to remain vigilant against disinformation. Journalism, according to Leo, "is a pillar that supports the structure of our societies." He demanded the release of imprisoned journalists and emphasized that journalistic work should never be considered a crime. In his five months in office, the Chicago-born pope has repeatedly advocated for freedom of speech and the rights of journalists.