Leo called on Catholics to “open our arms and hearts to them, welcoming them as brothers and sisters, and being for them a presence of consolation and hope.”
The remarks were delivered to a crowd of thousands who were inside St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for Sunday Mass.
It was part of event organized for migrants which attracted some 10,000 pilgrims from 95 countries. The Church’s message on immigration is clearly resounding around the world.
The pope stated that migrants cannot be treated with “the coldness of indifference or the stigma of discrimination.”
Leo went on to call for “a new missionary age” in which the church will offer “hospitality and welcome, compassion and solidarity” to all of those migrants who are fleeing from violence or searching for a safe new home for themselves or the families.
“In the communities of ancient Christian tradition, such as those of the West, the presence of many brothers and sisters from the world’s South should be welcomed as an opportunity, through an exchange that renews the face of the Church,” he said.
While he didn’t mention the United States or Donald Trump specifically, taken in the context of his past remarks it’s clear who and what he was pushing back against today.
Last week, he enraged MAGA supporters by espousing the true teachings of Jesus Christ.
“Someone who says, ‘I’m against abortion,’ but says ‘I’m in favor of the death penalty,’ is not really pro-life,” the pope told reporters.
“Someone who says that, ‘I’m against abortion but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants who are in the United States,’ I don’t know if that’s pro-life.”
Republicans have quickly come to despise Pope Leo because he dispels the lie that they tell themselves: They are not “Christian” in any meaningful sense of the word.
They have draped themselves in Christian aesthetics and signifiers while adopting a cruel, fascist worldview that is antithetical to the love, compassion, and selflessness taught by Christ. Pope Leo sees right through them.
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