Then the king will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father.
Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 25:24)
October 14, 2025
Hello Everyone –
It was reported in the October 8 edition of the El Paso Matters newspaper that “Pope Leo XIV’s eyes grew misty Wednesday as an El Paso delegation led by Bishop Mark Seitz presented him letters and a video that captured the fears and anxieties of people facing mass deportation in the United States.”
So, what exactly has Pope Leo said about immigration?
Pope Leo says the Church must not be silent on immigration, advocating for the welcome, protection and integration of migrants and refugees. He recently urged United States Catholic bishops to be more forceful in defending their rights against the "coldness of indifference” and the "stigma of discrimination."
In his first major document, an apostolic exhortation entitled “I Have Loved You” (Dilexi Te), a project he inherited from his predecessor Pope Francis, Leo XIV criticized global economic inequality and the inhumane treatment of immigrants, stating that supporting migrants is embraced by sacred scripture and the church's mission.
In a badly broken political climate rampant with blatant disregard for the dignity of the human person, our Holy Father provides some key points for our serious consideration and to prickle our consciences.
A Call for Action: With growing frequency, Pope Leo is urging not only the U.S. bishops but all people of goodwill to speak out and be more unified in defending migrants' rights.
Rejection of Indifference: As people of faith, we are not to become uncaring and blind to the challenges and sufferings of our migrant sisters and brothers who are literally at our doors.
Emphasis on Welcome: The Holy Father’s message includes the imperative to "welcome, promote, protect and integrate" new arrivals, viewing them as children of God and seeing Christ in them.
Solidarity: In recent interviews, Pope Leo has assured immigration advocates that the church will stand with them and migrants who are suffering from poverty, violence, and mass deportations.
Critique of Current Policies: The pope holds before our eyes a critique of the U.S. administration's anti-immigration policies and their impact while conscious of the government’s right to enact laws that serve the common good but without disregard for protecting human dignity. He does so as a continuation of concerns first shared by his predecessor.
Scriptural and Historical Basis: The Holy Father connects his message to the scriptures and cites St. Francis Xavier Cabrini, the patroness of migrants, as an example of selfless service to immigrants.
Recall the “Final Judgment”:
“For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.”
Then they will answer and say, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?”
He will answer them, “Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.” [Matthew 25:42-45]
As I do for you, please pray for me,
Most Reverend Jeffrey S. Grob
Archbishop of Milwaukee
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