🔶 Pope Leo’s request to the United States to welcome and support migrants more In a message marking July 4, the U.S. Independence Day, Pope Leo asked Americans to take a more humane approach toward migrants and emphasized the need for “welcoming, supporting, and helping” them. The message was published at the same time as his trip to Lampedusa, Italy—one of Europe’s most important entry points for migrants. In the message, Pope Leo, referring to the Catholic values of defending life, said that these values also include “welcoming, supporting, and assisting migrants.” Addressing the people of the United States, he added: “Accepting migrants with compassion and generosity is not only a charitable act, but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human being.” The Pope also called on the international community to become “more humane” and help people who have fled war and poverty. He had previously criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s tough immigration policies, describing them as inhumane. Pope Leo also urged European leaders to do more to help migrants. Hashtags: Pope Leo, migrants, United States, July 4, Italy, Lampedusa