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Pope Leo calls out hypocrisy, saying 'inhuman treatment of immigrants' isn't 'pro-life'

Pro-life means a lot more than just being against abortion.

via Edgar Beltran/Wikimedia Commons and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Wikimedia Commons

Pope Leo XIV and an ICE officer arresting an immigrant.

The first American pope, Leo XIV, has weighed in on U.S. politics with a statement that cuts across partisan lines, drawing criticism from the White House. On Tuesday, October 1, reporters asked Leo XIV about plans by Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich to bestow a lifetime achievement award to Illinois Senator Dick Durbin for decades of serving immigrants. Some conservative U.S. bishops balked at the idea, given Durbin’s long-time support of abortion rights.

The Catholic Church has a long history of supporting immigrants and being pro-life, so the Pope noted that those on both sides of the Durbin issue were being hypocritical.

The Pope explains what 'pro-life' really means

"Someone who says 'I'm against abortion but says I am in favor of the death penalty' is not really pro-life," Leo said. "Someone who says that 'I'm against abortion, but I'm in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States,' I don't know if that's pro-life."

"I don't know if anyone has all the truth on them but I would ask first and foremost that there be greater respect for one another and that we search together both as human beings, in that case as American citizens or citizens of the state of Illinois, as well as Catholics to say we need you to now really look closely at all of these ethical issues and to find the way forward in this church. Church teaching on each one of those issues is very clear," he continued.

The Pope’s statement was an explicit critique of America’s conservative politicians and Supreme Court justices who wear the pro-life mantle when it applies to abortion, but support harsh immigration policies and the death penalty. The Catholic Church’s support for immigrants is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Holy Bible, which has over two dozen verses that reference why strangers and foreigners should be treated with care, dignity, and equality.

The Trump Administration's aggressive approach to immigrants—both undocumented and legal—has been one of the most controversial aspects of his presidency. Although he initially received praise for his handling of issues at the U.S.-Mexico border, his treatment of domestic immigrants through ICE raids, deportations to foreign prisons, and demonizing rhetoric is unpopular with a majority of Americans.

The Pope’s statement received a rebuke from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, a devout Catholic. "I would reject there is inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants in the United States under this administration," Leavitt told White House reporters. "There was, however, significant, inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants in the previous administration as they were being trafficked, raped, and beaten, in many cases killed over our United States southern border."

On a deeper level, the Pope’s statement exposes how many Americans are forced to reconcile their spiritual and political beliefs on significant issues such as abortion, the death penalty, and immigration. The interesting thing is that studies show that whether there is a conflict between their political party and the church, people tend to hold their political beliefs more closely. Ultimately, in calling for conscience over partisanship, the Pope asks Americans to embrace a higher calling by embracing humanity over partisanship.

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American woman living in London admits there are 10 things she totally misses about the U.S.

"The default American personality when meeting strangers is happiness."

via Canva/Photos

Some of the best things about America.

Every American probably has a long list of things they would change about their country, whether it’s the cost of rent, political divisions, or the bill you get from going to the ER. However, if you took the same person to Europe for an extended period, there would probably be many things that they would begin to miss. As they say, absence makes the heart grow fond, especially if you’re an expat.

TikToker @AnAmericanInLondon recently graduated from William and Mary College and moved to London to start her career posts about the cultural differences between the US and the UK. Recently, she posted a photo collage about the things she misses about the US, and it’s sure to make Americans feel a twinge of pride, even those with a long list of gripes about the country.

Here are 10 favorite things that AnAmericanInLondon misses about living in the US. (Note: You can see the full photo carousel on TikTok).

tiktok, us, ukTikTok · AnAmericanInLondonwww.tiktok.com


1. Nature

“We really do have the best nature out there, from California to New York Island. From the redwood forest to the gulfstream waters. From the Grand Canyon to the rocks at Yosemite. The diversity of nature in the USA is *chef's kiss*.”

2. Happiness

“The default American personality when meeting strangers is happiness. Yeah, people say we're loud and overly friendly, but I'd rather be that than perpetually gray and depressing all the time.”

3. Big glasses of FREE water

“Why am I paying for water everywhere else? And why, when I pay, is it poured into the tiniest glass, not even big enough for a chihuahua!?”


4. The food

“We have amazing food, and I won't hear any slander for it. You wonder why we're all fat. It's 'cause our food rocks. Mexican, southern fried chicken, New York bagels, Chicago pizza. You can't beat all the local food in the USA.”

5. Thanksgiving

“It's honestly more fun, lowkey, not as stressful as Christmas. Americans get two days off for Thanksgiving rather than one day for Christmas, so it's a better vibe if you get me. The food is unreal! Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, dressing, green beans, apple pie. So much better than Christmas.”

6. Driving in my car

“Now that I live in London, I never drive, and I really miss when I was in high school driving with my best friends to school. Stopping at Starbusk singing Jason Derulo's 'In My Head' at the top of our lungs. Ahh, the good ol' days.”


7. College (uni) sports

“College sports are so much fun. Especially since, in the USA, this is how players go pro. Imagine sitting next to Peyton Manning in calculus on a Tuesday morning.”

8. Fahrenheit

“I just will never wrap my head around Celsius or Kelvin. They will never make me like you, Kelvin!”


9. Diversity of choice

“There are so many options in the USA. More variety. According to Econ, more choice = higher utility = better preferences = happier people.”

10. The American Dream

“The idea is that every American should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative. Americans value success and are proud of their achievements, which should be celebrated.”

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Americans have been living abroad for years. These countries have the most American expats

The top country may surprise you.

Photo credit: Canva

Want to escape the U.S? These are the best countries to consider.

As Americans we often hear how we are the beacon of light shining atop of the hill promising a better life for immigrants. People come from all over the globe to seek refuge at the feet of our Lady Liberty but we often don't hear about American immigrants. Planes, trains and boats travel in both directs and while some people may seek to make America their new home, plenty of Americans seek their home outside of their home country.

For some, traveling abroad isn't enough, they'd much rather plant roots outside of U.S. soil. But where are they going and how does it work? While we may be offended when someone else says it, the truth is, Americans are spoiled. We like our air conditioning, our sweet treats, our drive-thrus and all other things of convenience so when we think of living abroad we are also taking our way of living into account.

traveling lauren conrad GIF by The HillsGiphy

We wonder if other countries will align with the American culture that we will likely bring with us. Americans are just about everywhere. But if you're looking for the feel of home while not actually being home, follow your fellow American expats. Believe it or not, countries around the world have built up large communities of American expats. The top country may surprise you.

Brush up on your Spanish because we're headed to Mexico.

Yes, Mexico is the top destination for Americans to plant roots. We often hear stories about the dangers of traveling to Mexico but 1.6 million Americans have made the country on our southern border their home. Like the U.S., danger level depends on where you live along with the risky behavior someone participates in. The entire state of New York isn't dangerous but there may be a few cities locals would tell you to avoid.

Saludo Hello GIF by María GrandeGiphy

Mexico has a very generous visa program, offering a six month holiday visa, a work visa and a permanent visa. The process is not as cost prohibitive as other countries to become a temporary resident as Americans can visit visa free for 180 days. For Americans, Mexico is simply easier to get to without much fuss and their dollar stretches a lot further.

Oh, sorry, you might need French because some parts of Canada don't speak English.

Well, would you look at that. It's our neighbors to the north that has become the home of just over 1 million American expats. While most of Canada does speak English and at the very least, English as a second language, there are some parts that speak French. But if you're looking for a country that has a similar make up to America with the same familiar seasons, look no further than Canada.

Canadian Flag GIF by Pudgy PenguinsGiphy

If you've got fancy skills that Canada is in need of, you essentially get to skip the line for immigration with their express entry program. This program uses a point system to evaluate you education, experience, language proficiency, and job offer status, but it's not cheap. Express entry to Canada will run you just over $1,500 CAN, which is around $1,058 USD.

But Americans can visit our friendly neighbors to the north without a visa for up to 180 days. You can use that time to visit different areas to see if it's you find a place you'd like to call home.

Prepare your palate for beans on toast and tea, the UK rounds out top three.

The UK rounds out the top three places with the most American expats with over 325,000 Americans living there. This move may be more of a stretch for the average American's budget, especially if you're moving an entire family. Plane tickets alone for a family of four can run you close to three grand, more depending on what time of year you're flying out and what city you're leaving from.

English Flag GIFGiphy

A bonus for Americans relocating to the UK is that there won't be a new language to learn, though you will likely need to pick up some regional words. Another perk is while you do need an electronic travel authorization, it costs £119.79 ($149 USD) and lasts six months. But if you want to stay longer than 6 months it gets a bit more complicated and costly if you're not a student, on a family visa or employed in the UK.

These countries also have a high number of American expats:

Germany, Australia, South Korea, France, Japan, and Spain finish up the list with the highest number of American expats with Spain having the lowest amount with around 108,000 Americans. Each country has their own visa and immigration policies with varying levels of ease or difficulty but all of these countries have one thing in common–Americans.

So if you're thinking about moving abroad, checking out a country on this list will have you connecting with fellow expats in no time.

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Newly naturalized citizen breaks down in tears about his experience voting for first time

"You are everything this country was meant to be."

Photo credit: Canva

New citizen breaks down in tears over voting for first time

Every four years there's an election for president of the United States of America. Of course there are other elections taking place for congressional seats, the House of Representatives every two years, Senate every six years. Aside from federal level elections there are a lot of local elections constantly happening that directly impact the lives of American citizens within cities, counties and states.

Every election that takes place allows Americans to have a say in their daily lives by choosing who will directly govern them from city council to school boards, up to state legislatures and beyond. But not everyone living in America can participate in one of the greatest civic duties entrusted on the citizens of this country.

The ability to vote in elections is one thing that many Americans can take for granted but for Vivaldi, it's a privilege he's waited a long time to gain.

Vivaldi who goes by the name Whistling Vivaldi recently shared that he voted for the first time in an emotional video. The Haitian American man has clearly been crying before he turns on his camera to hit record, clearing his throat to say, "I'm going to try my best to get through this. I do not know if natural born citizens know what this feels like."

a hand holding a red button that says i vote Photo by Parker Johnson on Unsplash

Before he could finish his thought he immediately got choked up again. Vivaldi explains that his family came to America when he was a child in 1999 which was followed by several major events, including the towers of the World Trade Center coming down.

"There was nothing you could really do, things were just happening and you were trying to overcome. Be that 9/11, be that Katrina, be that Sandy Hook, be that the overturning of Roe, be the overturning of affirmative action, be that Citizens United, be that the Patriot Act, be that the housing crash, everything, right? These things were occurring, they were altering the trajectory of people's lives and if you weren't a citizen and you couldn't vote, you really just had to suck it up and take what you got," Vivaldi says.

polling station poster on clear glass door Photo by Elliott Stallion on Unsplash

Without a vote there aren't many options to affect change in your city, county or country. Running for office even at local levels are reserved for people who are registered to vote in most places. Outside of speaking at a city council or school board meeting, immigrants have no meaningful way to do their part to make their voices count, whether they're tax paying or not.

For Vivaldi, he says social media was his only way to get people to hear him in an attempt to affect change. That's when he's completely overcome with emotions while trying to finish his announcement.

red and blue building illustration Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

"After 20 years, I guess 26 years," the emotional man takes a deep breath. "I finally got to vote today, for the first time," Vivaldi couldn't stop the tears from flowing. "And maybe, just maybe, I was able to affect the trajectory of not just my own life but that of my family, that of millions, probably even billions of people around the world. Hopefully alleviate some sort of suffering."

Once Vivaldi composed himself he directed his attention to Americans who think their votes don't matter to remind them that it does matter.

"But there are people like my family that have left everything behind. That have spent thousands and traveled across oceans for just the maybe, just the possibility," and with that he encourages everyone to go out and vote.


@whistlingvivaldi

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The emotional video struck a lot of people including immigrants who were recently naturalized getting to vote for the first time this election cycle. Support for Vivaldi was overwhelmingly positive as his tears reminds others what some Americans take for granted.

"You are everything this country was meant to be. I felt this to my core. I cried with you. I am so glad you and your family are here. Embrace every emotion. Every moment. You are part of the change," one person praises.

A fellow immigrant shares, "after 19 years in America, I became a citizen 1 year ago. On Teusday[sic] I will be voting for the 1st time. I feel this deep."

Vote Voting GIF by The Drew Barrymore ShowGiphy

"THIS is what being American means. You’re amazing and I’m so happy you’re here and we should all be proud and grateful you and your family are here," another shares.

"You made me cry like a baby! Thank you for taking this right and responsibility so seriously. Congratulations," someone else chimes in.

"I feel this in my soul. I’m 47 just became a citizen last year and voted this week for the first time and it is an emotional experience. Thank you for sharing this message," another person shares in the emotion.

This year millions of people across America will be exercising their right to vote and for those recently naturalized participating for the first time, may you feel immensely proud of the ballot you cast.

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