Pope Leo criticizes rise of nationalism, urges open borders and unity
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Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, denounced nationalist political movements and called for open borders, advocating for openness and solidarity, while emphasizing the importance of embracing others.
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Pope Leo XIV waves as he arrives to celebrate a Mass for the Jubilee of New Religious Associations on Pentecost Day in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, on June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the United States, criticized the resurgence of nationalist political movements on Sunday, calling them "unfortunate" during his first Pentecost Mass held in St. Peter’s Square. Though he did not name any specific country or political leader, the message was widely interpreted as a clear denunciation of exclusionary political ideologies.
“There is no room for prejudice, for ‘security’ zones separating us from our neighbours, for the exclusionary mindset that, unfortunately, we now see emerging also in political nationalisms,” Pope Leo said.
While addressing tens of thousands of attendees, he prayed for a world in which God would "open borders, break down walls (and) dispel hatred."
The remarks came during the celebration of Pentecost, one of the most significant holy days in the Christian calendar, symbolizing unity and the descent of the Holy Spirit. Pope Leo used the occasion to advocate for openness and solidarity, emphasizing the importance of embracing others, regardless of origin or status.
His message aligns with long-standing Vatican values of inclusiveness, particularly in matters concerning refugees, migrants, and those marginalized by political conflict.
Background on Pope Leo and US politics, immigration
Before being elected pope on May 8, Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo, had voiced criticism of nationalist rhetoric in US politics.
On the platform X, under the handle @drprevost (now deactivated), he shared posts disapproving of US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The Vatican has not officially confirmed its ownership of the account, which was taken offline shortly after his election.
Papa Leão XIV apaga sua presença pessoal no X @drprevost, para que resplandeça apenas o Vigário de Cristo.
— Luiz Las Casas🇻🇦 (@Luiz_Las_Casas) May 15, 2025
Agora não fala o homem, o padre, o bispo ou o cardeal, agora quem fala é Pedro. @Pontifex
🇻🇦❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/1iJxIV3Y5Z
Leo’s background and public positions suggest continuity in the Vatican’s firm stance against political movements that advocate exclusion, isolationism, or xenophobia.
Pope Leo’s comments reflect the tone set by his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, who was a vocal critic of President Trump’s immigration policies. In January, just months before his passing, Francis described Trump’s plans to deport millions of migrants as a “disgrace."
In 2016, Francis famously said, "A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian," about Trump’s immigration stance.
With Leo now leading the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church, Sunday’s Mass signaled a continuation of that legacy, prioritizing compassion, inclusion, and resistance to rising nationalist trends worldwide.
On a related note, late last month, Pope Leo XIV urged "Israel" to allow substantial humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, where conditions continue to deteriorate under a months-long military onslaught. The pontiff's appeal, delivered during his general audience on Wednesday, comes amid intensified Israeli operations and growing global unease over the humanitarian fallout.
"The situation in the Gaza Strip is becoming increasingly alarming and painful. I reiterate my sincere appeal to allow the entry of decent humanitarian aid and to put an end to military actions, the painful price of which is being paid by children, the elderly, and the sick," the Pope said.
