ByMary Whitfill Roeloffs,
Forbes Staff.
Pope Leo has criticized the treatment of migrants held in detention in the United States, specifically expressing concerns about their "spiritual rights" after reports they'd been denied access to Communion, the latest flashpoint amid growing tensions between the Vatican and the Trump White House in recent months.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American ever chosen to lead the Catholic church, on Tuesday called for faith leaders to be given access to the facilities detaining migrants after reports emerged those being held at the Broadview immigration site in Illinois were denied Communion on All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos last weekend.
The Pope quoted scripture, reiterated that migrants’ “spiritual needs should be attended to” and called for “deep reflection about what is happening” in the United States.
