Pope Leo invokes immigrant and slavery roots in call for US to honour founding ideals

Pope Leo, the first United States-born pontiff, has issued a public call for the nation to uphold its founding principles of freedom, opportunity, and the welcoming of immigrants. In his recent address, the Pope emphasized the importance of honoring these core ideals, drawing specific attention to the country’s historical roots involving immigration and the legacy of slavery.

While affirming his primary mission as the pastor of a universal church, Pope Leo expressed a deep personal connection to his home country. By invoking the nation's complex history, the pontiff highlighted the ongoing significance of these founding values in shaping the moral landscape of the United States.