Karoline Leavitt rejects Pope Leo's claims that Trump's immigration policies are 'inhumane'

WASHINGTON, DC: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt fired back at Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday, October 1, dismissing his sharp criticism of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and support for the death penalty.

The pope had condemned capital punishment and what he called the “inhuman treatment of immigrants” in the US, arguing that such views are incompatible with a pro-life stance.

He also took aim at Pete Hegseth, calling his recent remarks to military leaders “worrying.”

Karoline Leavitt pushes back against Pope Leo's remarks

When reporters asked about Pope Leo’s remarks during Wednesday’s White House press briefing, Karoline Leavitt firmly pushed back.

“I would reject there was inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants in the United States under this administration,” the 28-year-old said.

Leavitt then shifted the focus to former President Joe Biden, blaming his immigration policies for what she described as a surge in illegal border crossings during his time in office. “This administration is trying to enforce our nation’s laws in the most humane way possible,” she added. “We are doing that on behalf of the people of our country who live here.”

What did Pope Leo claim?

Pope Leo delivered sharp criticism, arguing that individuals who support the death penalty and the “inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States” cannot call themselves pro-life. “Someone who says I'm against abortion but is in favor of the death penalty is not really pro-life,” the pope told reporters.

He also condemned Pete Hegseth for what he described as “worrying” rhetoric during a speech to military generals at Quantico on Monday September 29. Commenting on the recent rebranding of the “Secretary of Defense” to the “Secretary of War,” Pope Leo added, “Let’s hope it’s just a figure of speech.”

Leo’s remarks came in response to a question about a controversial lifetime achievement award that Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich intended to give to Illinois Democratic Senator Dick Durbin.

The announcement sparked immediate backlash. Although the award recognized Durbin’s long-standing advocacy for immigrants, his vocal support for abortion rights, despite representing Pope Leo’s home state of Illinois, drew criticism from within the Catholic Church. Under pressure, Durbin eventually declined the award to shield Cardinal Cupich from further controversy, after many of his fellow clergy criticized the decision.

Defending Durbin, Pope Leo said this week, “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 remarks came just days after Trump signed a memorandum urging Attorney General Pam Bondi and US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro to pursue the death penalty in “all appropriate cases.” On his first day back in office, Trump also signed an executive order reinstating the federal death penalty. He later called for the execution of Tyler Robinson, the alleged killer of political activist Charlie Kirk.

Internet sides with Karoline Leavitt's remarks on Pope Leo

After Karolina Leavitt's sharp response to Pope’s criticism of Trump and Hegseth went viral on social media, it quickly gained traction, prompting many internet users to share their reactions.

One more commenter added, "That’s right. It’s been proven over and over again. American agencies are being civil and professional in their dealings with illegal migrants. I’m very proud of our vast teams of Agencies working together cleaning up our streets. The Democrats appear to be nervous."

A person shared, "Biden opened the border and brought this all on." 

A social media user wrote, "Pope Leo doesn't sound particularly educated, I wonder if palms were greased to secure his appointment? There were far more worthy in the running and this guy was more of a dark horse."

Another commenter slammed, "Pope should stay out of politics."

Another hailed Press Secretary, "Well said Karoline."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.