During a press conference after his trip to Africa, the pontiff emphasized that migrants "are human beings" and should be treated with respect, regardless of each country's policies.
"We must treat them with humanity and not worse than, at times, pets or animals," stated Leo XIV, in remarks that have had a significant global impact. The Pope acknowledged that states have the right to control their borders but insisted that when people arrive, they deserve the respect inherent to their human condition.
The leader of the Catholic Church highlighted that there is a great moral and political challenge in managing migration, especially in an international context marked by conflicts and massive displacements. His words come amid global tensions, including the conflict between the United States and Iran, on which he also called for a return to dialogue to avoid more innocent victims.
Additionally, Leo XIV condemned the death penalty and criticized that the moral debate in the Church is reduced to sexual issues, calling for a broader focus on social justice. His message on migrants reinforces the Vatican's role as an ethical voice in an increasingly polarized world.