It has become customary for Pope Leo XIV to answer journalists’ questions as he leaves Castel Gandolfo.
Among his most important statements, the pontiff spoke about the latest document issued by the United States Catholic bishops.
In the document, they firmly oppose the mass and indiscriminate deportation of people, something Pope Leo confirmed he agrees with.
POPE LEO XIV
I think we have to look for ways of treating people humanely, treating people with the dignity that they have. If people are in the United States illegally, there are ways to treat them, there are courts, there's a system of justice. I think there are a lot of problems in the system – no one has said that the United States should have open borders.
He stressed that the disrespectful treatment of these people is unjustified and argued that many of these migrants work and contribute to the country’s growth as well.
POPE LEO XIV
But when people are leading good lives, and many of them for ten, fifteen, or twenty years, to treat them in an extremely disrespectful way, to say the least—and there has been some violence, unfortunately—it seems to me that the bishops have been very clear in what they have said, and I think I would simply invite everyone in the United States to listen to them.
Nigeria was another topic that the pope was asked about—a country that has been in the media spotlight following recent comments by President Donald Trump about massacres of Christians there:
POPE LEO XIV
I think that in Nigeria and in other regions there is indeed a danger for Christians, and for everyone, Christians and Muslims.
Unfortunately, many Christians have died, and I think it is very important to find ways for the government and all communities to promote authentic religious freedom.
The Pope also hinted at which countries he may visit in 2026, with the American continent being the main one…
POPE LEO XIV
Delighted to travel—to Fátima, to Guadalupe in Mexico, to Uruguay and Argentina, pending, and to go to Peru, of course.
Despite the tight schedule ahead due to all the Jubilee events, Pope Leo will carry out his first apostolic trip this very month, from November 27 to December 3.
Another matter he was asked about was the ongoing investigation into alleged abuse by a Spanish bishop, Rafael Zornoza.
POPE LEO XIV
He insists on his innocence; an investigation has been opened; it must be allowed to proceed, and depending on the results, there will be consequences. As for the victims, I hope they always find a safe place where they can speak and present their cases.
Pope Leo once again reaffirmed his position on the need for a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine.
POPE LEO XIV
Every day people die; we must, I believe, insist on achieving peace, starting with this ceasefire and then engaging in dialogue.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has now reached 1,359 days since it began.
Trans. CRT
