Pope Leo XIV leveled direct criticism at U.S. immigration policies and capital punishment practices during a speech in Italy this week, prompting swift rebuttal from the Trump administration.

Responding to the pope's remarks, the White House defended its immigration stance and reiterated support for the death penalty, highlighting tensions between political and religious leadership, as Daily Mail reports.

Speaking at the Mariapolis Center in Castel Gandolfo on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV addressed what he called "inhuman treatment" of immigrants in the United States. He linked support for harsh immigration enforcement and the death penalty to a contradiction in pro-life ideology. The pope asserted that backing such policies undermines claims of being consistently pro-life.

“Someone who says I'm against abortion but is in favor of the death penalty is not really pro-life,” the pontiff said during his remarks. His comments were aimed broadly at U.S. leaders who advocate for stronger border enforcement and capital punishment, policies that have been prominent under former President Donald Trump’s administration.

The White House responded Thursday through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who rejected the suggestion that the Trump administration’s policies constituted mistreatment. “I would reject that there was inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants in the United States under this administration,” said Leavitt, 28, during the daily briefing.

Pope’s Comments Echo Across Political Lines

The pontiff’s remarks came at a time of significant election-year tension, with Trump again running for president and leaning heavily into issues of law and immigration. In her statement, Leavitt also criticized the immigration record of President Joe Biden, arguing it had led to a sharp increase in southern border crossings.

According to figures cited by Trump, over 11 million migrant encounters have occurred under Biden’s administration. Leavitt framed this statistic as evidence that stricter Republican policies are more effective in controlling immigration.

Capital punishment also remains a key part of Trump’s platform. On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order reviving the federal death penalty and called for it to be used in the case of Tyler Robinson, the accused killer of activist Charlie Kirk. A separate memorandum urged Justice Department officials to pursue the death penalty “in all appropriate cases.”

Pontiff Also Weighs in on Defense Rhetoric

In addition to immigration and capital punishment, Pope Leo XIV also addressed concerns about recent military rhetoric in the U.S. He singled out Pete Hegseth for remarks he gave earlier in the week to an audience of generals at Quantico, Virginia.

Hegseth’s comments referenced a symbolic change in the title from “Secretary of Defense” to “Secretary of War.” The pope, expressing concern, said, “Let’s hope it is only a way of speaking,” implying discomfort with potential shifts in military posture.

While Hegseth’s comments were not an official policy change, they sparked conversations about shifting attitudes within the administration regarding defense and global engagement. Pope Leo used these remarks as an example of language that could escalate regional or global tensions.

Award Controversy Highlights Catholic Divide

The pope also became involved in a separate controversy involving Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois. Earlier this month, Cardinal Blase Cupich awarded Durbin a lifetime achievement honor for his advocacy for immigrants. The decision drew sharp criticism from conservative voices within the Catholic Church due to Durbin's long-standing support for abortion rights.

Pope Leo stood by Durbin amid the backlash. “I think it's important to look at the overall work that a senator has done during, if I'm not mistaken, in 40 years of service in the United States Senate,” the pope said, defending the award based on Durbin’s broader record.

However, amid growing pressure, Durbin ultimately declined to accept the award. He later said he was “overwhelmed” by the pope’s public defense and expressed gratitude for the support during an otherwise tumultuous moment.

Religious and Political Leaders Navigate Policy Clashes

The pope’s remarks follow broader efforts by the Vatican to influence global perspectives on social justice issues. His statements suggest an expanded definition of the pro-life philosophy—one that includes the welfare of individuals post-birth, including immigrants and death row inmates.

Meanwhile, Leavitt and the Trump administration emphasized that their policies align with strong national security and law enforcement standards. The administration continues to prioritize action on illegal immigration and public safety, arguing that its approach reflects the will of its constituency.

This exchange between Pope Leo XIV and the White House underscores growing tensions between religious and political definitions of moral leadership. As leaders weigh their approach to foundational social policies, their divergent philosophies continue to resonate across U.S. political and religious landscapes.