June 8 (UPI) -- Pope Leo asked God to "open borders, break down walls and dispel hatred," during Sunday mass with tens of thousands of people in St. Peter's Square Sunday.
The pontiff has been critical of nationalist political movements and the "exclusionary mindset" they convey, but did not name a specific country or government.
"There is no room for prejudice , for 'security zones' separating us from our neighbors, for the exclusionary mindset that, unfortunately, we now see emerging in political nationalisms," the pope said during the mass.
Leo added that the church "must open the borders between peoples and break down the barriers between class and race."
"People must move beyond our fear of those who are different," he continued, and said the Holy Spirit "breaks down barriers and tears down the walls of indifference and hatred."
