Pope Leo has described the mistreatment of migrants as a serious crime that is tolerated at the state level. This comes weeks after his criticism of the anti-immigrant policies of the Donald Trump administration, reports „Reuters“, quoted by News.bg.
At the Vatican, during a meeting with representatives of international organizations, Leo did not directly name Trump or his policies, but stressed that governments have a „moral obligation to provide asylum“ to people in need. He noted that "inhumane measures" are increasingly being applied, which are even perceived as politically justified and treat migrants as "trash" rather than human beings.
Elected in May to succeed the late Pope Francis, Leo has intensified his criticism of the treatment of those seeking a better life abroad, which has provoked sharp reactions among some conservative Catholics.
In his first significant document, published on October 9, the pope appealed to the world to support migrants, referring to one of Francis' sharpest criticisms of American policy.
In addition to the topic of migrants, Leo also addressed growing economic inequality and the practices of pharmaceutical companies, which make large profits but, according to him, are "ambiguities". He strongly condemned the exploitation of natural resources such as lithium, used in modern technologies, pointing out that mining is often linked to paramilitary violence, child labor and the displacement of local communities.
“The competition between great powers and corporations for control of these resources is a serious threat to the sovereignty and stability of poor countries,“ the pope said.
The Pope also expressed concern about the drug crisis in the United States, condemning the use of fentanyl, a substance linked to about 450,000 deaths in the country.
In the spirit of his predecessor, he called on the Catholic Church to become a “church for the poor”, emphasizing the need for solidarity and justice towards the most vulnerable groups in society.