By Joshua McElwee ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT, April 23 (Reuters) - Pope Leo on Thursday decried the world's treatment of immigrants, saying that often migrants and refugees seeking to escape violence or
Pope Leo Criticizes World's Poor Treatment of Migrants, Calls for Humane Response
Pope Leo's Remarks on Migrants and Global Responsibility
By Joshua McElwee
Pope Leo's Strong Critique of Migrant Treatment
ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT, April 23 (Reuters) - Pope Leo on Thursday decried the world's treatment of immigrants, saying that often migrants and refugees seeking to escape violence or poverty are considered "worse than house pets or animals," in unusually strong remarks on the issue.
Criticism of U.S. Immigration Policies
Leo, who has been a critic of U.S. President Trump's hardline immigration policies, called for humane treatment of immigrants while on his flight back to Rome after a four-nation Africa tour.
Humanitarian Appeal
"They are human beings and we have to treat human beings in a humanitarian way and not treat them worse … than house pets or animals," the pope said in a press conference.
Context and Previous Statements
Leo, the first U.S. pope, did not mention any specific country in his remarks on Thursday.
The pope has previously questioned whether the Trump administration's hardline policies are in line with the Catholic Church's strict pro-life teachings, in remarks that drew sharp criticism from conservative U.S. Catholics.
Call for Global Solutions and Shared Responsibility
Border Control and Development Aid
Leo said on Thursday that countries have a right to control their borders. He urged richer nations to help develop the countries that migrants are leaving, so they do not feel the need to leave.
Questions for Wealthier Nations
"What are richer countries doing to change the situation for poorer countries?" he asked. "And why can't we seek … to change the situations in (those) countries?"
(Reporting by Joshua McElwee, editing by Deepa Babington)
