Pope Francis on inhumane treatment of migrants: what Leo XIV said.

First American on the Papal Throne

According to Vox: For the first time in history, an American has become pope — from Chicago. Pope Leo XIV, like many Americans, actively shares his thoughts on important issues, including President Donald Trump's immigration policy and the use of artificial intelligence in culture. Recently he admitted that he starts his daily Wordle game with a new word.

Social Teaching of the Catholic Church

The social teaching of the Catholic Church is a collection of traditions, principles, and beliefs based on the Bible, natural law, and papal documents that define how people should treat each other, as well as how societies should be organized. The main principles can be summarized into seven themes:

1. The sanctity of human life and its inherent dignity as the foundation of society.
2. People are called to create families, form communities, and engage in public life.
3. People have rights and responsibilities towards one another.
4. The needs of the poor and vulnerable must be prioritized.
5. The economy must serve people, work must be dignified, and workers must be protected.
6. Solidarity requires justice and peace among people.
7. Humanity must care for creation and look after the environment.

I reached out to Michael Sean Winters, a longtime columnist for National Catholic Reporter, to discuss issues related to Pope Leo, to find out whether there is indeed tension between him and the US president, and to understand why he is so diligently concerned with immigration and artificial intelligence. This conversation has been edited for clarity and brevity.

“I noticed that people on both sides of the political spectrum interpret Pope Leo's comments as overly political or focused on internal US issues. Some even argue that he is opposing the Trump administration. Are they correctly sensing this situation?”

I would phrase it differently. Typically, popes raise ethical questions that have political implications. But what is unique about this pope is that he speaks English without a translation. “We hear him directly, and that presents a special challenge for conservative Catholics.”

“Do you think Leo is anti-MAGA? And is this a real struggle between the Vatican and MAGA Catholics, or is it more about how MAGA Catholics are throwing stones at the papal throne?”

Winters noted that some conservative bishops in the US have not significantly supported Pope Francis, believing that no pope can remain on the throne forever. Now they need to rethink their approach, as the new Pope is not an Argentine, but an American who understands their culture.

“Leo is also not an opponent of AI; he has certain concerns about its impact on defining humanity.”

Leo emphasizes the importance of how new technologies can affect our perception of human existence. The proper use of technologies such as artificial intelligence is a key issue for the church in light of modern challenges.

Leo XIV, the first American on the papal throne, has become a figure actively engaging in important social discussions. His views on immigration and technology, particularly artificial intelligence, are part of a broader conversation about the role of the church in the modern world. In the lead-up to such an influential period, he must balance between the traditions of the church and the pressing challenges facing humanity.