The Catholic Church, under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, has emerged as a powerful voice of moral opposition to the war in Iran and the administration's mass deportation efforts. This shift in stance is particularly notable given the Church's historical stance on non-interference in political matters. The American cardinals, who have known Pope Leo well, attribute this change to his measured and deliberate nature, which has now become increasingly outspoken against certain policies of the American president.
In an interview, Cardinals Joseph Tobin, Robert McElroy, and Blase Cupich expressed their concerns about the war in Iran, calling it unjust and dehumanizing. They argue that the war is not a just war under Catholic teaching, as it lacks a focused aim to restore justice and peace. The cardinals also criticized the White House's portrayal of the war on social media, calling it sickening and dehumanizing.
The Church's stance on immigration is equally strong. Cardinals Tobin and McElroy have called out Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for its actions, with Tobin describing it as a 'lawless organization.' They argue that mass deportations are indiscriminate and cause fear among immigrants, leading to a 30% decrease in attendance at Spanish masses in the archdiocese of Washington. The cardinals emphasize the human suffering caused by these policies and the need for compassion and understanding.
Pope Leo's church has also taken concrete steps to support migrants and the less fortunate. The Vatican has opened a job training center in Castel Gandolfo, teaching sustainable farming, gardening, and cooking to refugees and locals in need. This innovative project aims to train at least 1,000 people per year, with the potential to impact 6,000 dioceses across the country. The Church's efforts are seen as a message of hope and solidarity, especially with Pope Leo's planned visit to Lampedusa, Italy, on July 4th, 2026, to send a message of support to those who are downcast and marginalized.
The Church's stance on political issues has inspired a surge in interest and attendance, with the Catholic Church in the U.S. welcoming the largest number of converts in recent years. Cardinals Tobin and McElroy attribute this to Pope Leo's leadership and the Church's commitment to promoting peace and unity. The cardinals believe that Pope Leo is the right man at this time, guiding the Church to address pressing social and political issues with compassion and moral authority.
