A few days ago, Pope Leo spoke words that should stir every Catholic heart. He urged us to open our arms and our hearts to immigrants. He reminded us that our faith demands we see the stranger not as a burden, but as a brother or sister in need.
His message lands in the middle of heated political debates, especially here in the United States. He did not call out anyone by name, but it was clear he was responding to the harsh rhetoric and policies that treat migrants as less than human. He asked a piercing question: How can we claim to be pro-life while closing our eyes to the suffering of those seeking refuge?
The Bigger Picture of Pro-Life
Pope Leo’s challenge cuts to the heart of a problem in the way some American Catholics think about being “pro-life.” Too often the term is reduced to a single issue. Our tradition teaches that all human life is sacred. That includes the unborn child and also the refugee mother and her children at the border.
If we only defend life in one situation and ignore it in another, we fail the Gospel. We cannot be truly pro-life while turning our backs on those fleeing war, hunger, poverty, or persecution.
A Missionary Age Defined by Hospitality
In his Mass at St. Peter’s, Pope Leo spoke of a “new missionary age.” Not one of conquest, but of hospitality and solidarity. He suggested that the arrival of migrants from the Global South could be a gift to the Church in the West, renewing our faith and deepening our witness.
That is a perspective we rarely hear. In our country, immigration is often talked about as a crisis or a threat. Pope Leo invites us to see it as an opportunity for grace.
Facing Resistance
It should not surprise us that his words have met resistance. Some Catholics accuse the Pope of meddling in politics. Political leaders push back against his critique of immigration policies. But throughout history, prophetic voices have often been accused of going too far.
The Gospel does not let us off the hook. When the values of Christ collide with the powers of the world, we are not called to step back. We are called to step forward.
From Words to Action
Faith without works is dead. It is not enough to applaud Pope Leo’s courage. We need to act. Here are a few places to start:
-
Educate and challenge our communities. Many Catholics do not see immigration as a faith issue. We can host conversations, share Scripture, and bring personal stories to light.
-
Support ministries serving migrants. Legal aid, food, shelter, language programs, and medical care need our hands and our support.
-
Advocate for humane policies. Write to lawmakers. Encourage policies that protect families and offer real pathways to safety and citizenship.
-
Foster a culture of welcome. In our parishes and neighborhoods, make hospitality normal. Encourage people to meet immigrants as neighbors, not as strangers.
-
Pray and seek conversion. We need to examine our own hearts for fear or indifference. Prayer opens us to God’s grace and strengthens our resolve to act.
A Christian Issue, Not a Partisan One
Some will try to frame this as left versus right. That misses the point. This is not about politics. It is about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who was himself a refugee as an infant, whose life and ministry continually embraced those on the margins.
Pope Leo is reminding us that being Catholic means being for life, all life, and especially the life of those in danger. This is a moment for courage, compassion, and conversion.
If we take his words seriously, we will discover that in helping the migrant we will be transformed ourselves. That is the hope and the promise of the Gospel.
If you’re new to Message from the Margins, welcome. We’re building a community of faith that faces the hard questions with honesty, mercy, and hope.
This week, I’m releasing six new e-books for all subscribers. Each one is designed to offer practical, soul-nourishing guidance for the real struggles we face:
-
Faith in the Fire – finding courage and hope when life feels overwhelming
-
How to Pray When You Don’t Know What to Say – simple, grounded guidance for a deeper prayer life
-
Loneliness: The Silent Epidemic – understanding and overcoming one of the most overlooked spiritual struggles of our time
-
A Book of Prayers for All Seasons – prayers for times of joy, grief, change, and daily life
-
Faith After Church Hurt – finding your way back to Christ when the institution has let you down
-
The Message from the Margins – a guide to living the Gospel as Jesus proclaimed it: good news for the poor and hope for the weary
If you haven’t yet subscribed, now is the time. Join the community, receive these resources as soon as they’re released, and take the next step in deepening your faith.
Subscribe for free today and watch for the bundle arriving later this week.