Pope Leo XIV has made several notable remarks related to President Trump, particularly critiquing his immigration policies while also acknowledging Trump's Gaza peace plan as "realistic." The pope questioned whether someone who opposes abortion but supports harsh immigration treatment in the U.S. can truly be considered "pro-life." He called the treatment of immigrants under Trump's administration "inhumane," marking his strongest criticism yet of U.S. policy. However, he expressed hope that Hamas would accept Trump's Gaza peace proposal, which he described as realistic and promising for peace. These comments have surprised some conservative Catholics who initially supported Pope Leo XIV for his traditional approaches but were taken aback by the pope's critical stance on Trump's immigration policies. The White House responded by rejecting the characterization of immigrant treatment as inhumane. In summary:
- Pope Leo XIV praised Trump's Gaza peace plan for its realism and potential to end conflict.
- He sharply criticized Trump's immigration policies as inhumane and questioned their alignment with pro-life values.
- The pope urged respect and comprehensive evaluation of Catholic politicians' policies.
- His remarks caused a stir, weakening some conservative support, as they confronted issues of immigration and life ethics more broadly.
