Pope Leo XIV meets Mark Seitz

Mark J. Seitz, Bishop of El Paso and chair of the migration committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, met with Pope Leo XVI in Vatican City. During the meeting, Mark J. Seitz presented Pope Leo XVI with letters from immigrant families and a video detailing their fears and experiences under the Donald Trump administration's immigration crackdown in the United States. Pope Leo XVI vowed to 'stand with' the migrants and the Catholic leaders assisting them, and expressed hope that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops would continue to speak out on the issue. The Catholic Church, including Pope Leo XVI and the late Pope Francis, has consistently denounced the Donald Trump administration's tactics, which have led to family separations and increased fear among both legal and undocumented immigrants. The administration defends its actions as necessary for public safety and national security. There are also rumors of Pope Leo XVI considering a trip to the United States next year, with an invitation from Donald Trump.