Pope Leo Condemns Global Treatment of Migrants, Urges Humane Policies

Pope Leo has criticized how migrants and refugees are treated worldwide, warning that many are regarded “worse than house pets or animals.

“Speaking to journalists aboard his return flight to Rome on Thursday after a four-nation tour of Africa, the pontiff called for more humane policies and attitudes toward displaced people. “They are human beings, and we have to treat human beings in a humanitarian way and not treat them worse … than house pets or animals,” he said during a press conference.

Although he did not single out any country, Leo has previously spoken against strict immigration policies, including those of US President Donald Trump, questioning whether such approaches align with the Catholic Church’s pro-life teachings.

The pope acknowledged that nations have the right to protect their borders but stressed the responsibility of wealthier countries to support development in poorer regions. He argued that improving conditions in migrants’ home countries could reduce the need for people to leave in the first place.

“What are richer countries doing to change the situation for poorer countries?” he asked, urging global cooperation to address root causes of migration.

Leo also defended his visits to nations led by long-standing rulers, including Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon, noting that the Vatican maintains diplomatic engagement to quietly promote justice and reform.

“We don’t always make great proclamations … but there’s an awful lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to promote justice,” he added.