The recent election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, has brought renewed attention to the intersection of religious values and immigration policy. As head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV has long emphasized themes of human dignity, global solidarity, and inclusive compassion—principles that, at times, diverge sharply from the rhetoric of certain political leaders, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

A Pope Rooted in Service and Global Perspective

Before becoming Pope Leo XIV in May 2025, Robert Prevost served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a position within the Vatican where he oversaw appointments and provided pastoral guidance worldwide. Born in Chicago and fluent in English and Spanish, he also spent decades in Latin America, particularly in Peru, where he served as a missionary and Bishop. These experiences informed his strong emphasis on humanitarian outreach and inclusivity, especially toward migrants and marginalized communities.

“The Christian message calls for us to embrace all people as brothers and sisters, regardless of origin,” he said in a public sermon in 2023, during a Vatican-hosted World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

Source: Vatican News

Immigration and the “Order of Love” Debate

The contrast between Pope Leo XIV’s views and those of JD Vance emerged more clearly in early 2025 when Vance delivered a speech invoking the concept of ordo amoris—a philosophical framework meaning “order of love,” originally articulated by Saint Augustine. In his interpretation, Vance argued that Americans should prioritize love and care for their immediate communities—family and fellow citizens—before extending concern to immigrants.

While ordo amoris is a recognized concept in Catholic teaching, its application is nuanced. The Church teaches that while there are natural priorities in relationships, Christian love (agape) should never be withheld from strangers, especially the vulnerable.

Pope Leo XIV did not directly name Vance in any official speech. However, The Daily Beast and several faith-based journalists noted that he shared and endorsed statements on social media platforms affirming Pope Francis’s teachings on immigration, suggesting that compassion must be borderless.

“Christian charity is not selective,” Pope Francis said in 2021. “Migrants are not a threat—they are people seeking life.”
Source: Reuters

Leo XIV has consistently echoed these sentiments, calling attention to the need for nations to develop immigration systems that balance regulation with mercy.

The Catholic Church’s Official Position on Immigration

Under both Pope Francis and now Pope Leo XIV, the Vatican has reinforced the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s position on immigration. The Catechism (No. 2241) states that nations have the right to regulate borders, but also insists that wealthier nations are obliged to welcome foreigners in search of security and livelihood when possible.

“Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.”
Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church

This approach does not oppose national sovereignty but seeks to align it with Gospel values of hospitality, especially to the vulnerable and displaced. Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed these teachings in multiple interviews and homilies, urging Catholics to look beyond politics and toward the core message of the Gospel: welcoming the stranger.

Social Media and Perception

Though the Pope refrains from political endorsements or direct rebuttals, media reports have noted his engagement with content affirming pro-immigration messages. In the wake of JD Vance’s speech, several Catholic thought leaders and clergy responded critically, arguing that misapplying theological concepts to justify exclusionary policies undermines Christian ethics.

The Daily Beast and National Catholic Reporter observed that some posts “liked” or reshared by Pope Leo XIV’s official social accounts supported the idea that moral responsibility to migrants cannot be postponed or restructured by national preference.

These online gestures have contributed to public discourse without violating the Vatican’s tradition of diplomatic neutrality. They align with a long-standing Vatican emphasis on pastoral concern rather than political confrontation.

Broader Context: Pope Leo XIV and U.S. Relations

The broader context of Pope Leo XIV’s values reflects a continued emphasis on dialogue, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence. His background in Latin America and the U.S. gives him a unique perspective on immigration, especially involving cross-border humanitarian concerns in the Western Hemisphere.

While his priorities may differ from some U.S. policymakers, Pope Leo XIV has emphasized respectful conversation over conflict. In an address to Catholic leaders in March 2025, he said:

“Our mission is not to argue politics but to illuminate hearts. We must be the voice for the voiceless, not the echo of division.”

This statement was welcomed by multiple Catholic organizations, including Catholic Relief Services and Caritas Internationalis, which continue to advocate for migrant rights and humanitarian protections.

JD Vance and the American Catholic Response

JD Vance, a practicing Catholic and author of Hillbilly Elegy, has promoted policies that prioritize national security and cultural stability. While he maintains that his positions align with Catholic values, numerous clergy and theologians have voiced concerns over what they see as overly narrow applications of Church principles.

Father James Martin, SJ, a well-known Jesuit priest and editor-at-large for America Magazine, stated:

“Catholic teaching does call us to love our families and neighbors—but also our global brothers and sisters. When that love becomes exclusive, it contradicts the radical openness of the Gospel.”

Source: America Magazine

Conclusion: Faith, Leadership, and Moral Clarity

As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, his commitment to the global poor, the marginalized, and the displaced signals continuity with Pope Francis’s pastoral vision. His personal record and public statements suggest a firm commitment to inclusive compassion, even when that message contrasts with political leaders’ interpretations.

Rather than engaging in direct opposition, Pope Leo XIV leads through clarity of mission. In a world facing migration crises, political unrest, and deep divisions, his focus remains steady: protecting human dignity, defending the vulnerable, and advocating for a love that knows no borders.

Sources:

• Vatican News
• The Vatican – Catechism of the Catholic Church
• Reuters – Pope Francis on Migrants
• America Magazine
• National Catholic Reporter
• The Daily Beast
• Catholic Relief Services