Pope Leo and President Trump are at odds over immigration in the U.S. and the Iran war

April 13, 2026

TL;DR

Pope Leo XIV has condemned President Trump's rhetoric regarding the war in Iran, calling it 'truly unacceptable'.
Catholic Church leaders, including Cardinals Robert McElroy and Blase Cupich, have questioned the morality and framing of the war in Iran, with some calling it a 'war of choice'.
Cardinal Cupich described videos of bombings in Iran posted by the White House as 'sickening' and a form of 'gamification' of war.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a rare rebuke against the 'indiscriminate mass deportation of people'.
Cardinal Joseph Tobin called U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement a 'lawless organization' for its methods.
Cardinal McElroy expressed concern about immigration policies, stating his objection is to the 'roundup of people' who have established lives in the U.S.
Pope Leo XIV plans to spend the U.S. 250th anniversary at a European entry point for migrants, signaling a priority for the marginalized.
The Pope's actions and the Church's stance contrast with the majority of Catholic voters who supported Trump's immigration policies.

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