Pope Leo's inaugural address has sparked renewed calls for a more compassionate approach to immigration in the US, amid simmering tensions with the Trump administration. Speaking from the Vatican, the Pontiff implored Americans to uphold the ideals of freedom and inclusivity that have long defined their nation.
In a speech seen as an implicit rebuke to Donald Trump's hardline stance on migration, Pope Leo celebrated America's tradition of welcoming immigrants, noting that this openness has contributed significantly to the country's global reputation for liberty. He expressed hope that the founding fathers' vision of "unity, justice and peace" would continue to guide the US in its 250th anniversary year.
The Pontiff will mark this milestone by visiting Lampedusa, a southern Italian island often overwhelmed with migrants attempting to reach Europe from North Africa. His itinerary includes a poignant visit to a cemetery containing unmarked graves of those who lost their lives during the perilous sea crossing, followed by a stop at the Porta d'Europa migrant memorial monument.
Pope Leo's decision not to accept an invitation from Vice-President JD Vance to visit the White House has been seen as a significant snub. The Vatican's views on immigration have been described as "troubling" by some within the Trump administration, which had reportedly anticipated his attendance at Fourth of July celebrations.
The Lampedusa trip is widely interpreted as a potent symbolic and political statement, reaffirming the dignity of every human being and implicitly criticising policies perceived as persecuting immigrants. It follows earlier criticism from Pope Leo regarding Donald Trump's treatment of detainees in November and his strong condemnation of the US-Israeli conflict in Iran.