The recent statements from Pope Leo XIV on immigration reflect a deep engagement with long-standing Christian teachings about national boundaries and authority. Many within the Christian community believe that Scripture supports the idea that nations have a divine obligation to regulate their borders. A significant verse in this conversation is Acts 17:26, which suggests that God has defined the geographical boundaries for all nations.
In a candid conversation at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo articulated a balanced view on immigration. He asserted, “No one has said that the United States should have open borders,” reinforcing that each nation has the right to control who enters and under what circumstances. His emphasis on treating undocumented immigrants humanely carries weight, but Pope Leo is clear that this compassion does not equate to unlimited access. He commended U.S. bishops for their recent pastoral message that merges compassion with the need for legal enforcement.
The teachings found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church echo the Pope’s sentiments. Nations are encouraged to welcome those seeking refuge while ensuring that the enforcement of immigration laws serves the common good. As stated in Paragraph 2241, immigrants are called to abide by the laws of their host country, thereby respecting its cultural and spiritual heritage. This insistence on lawful behavior is reinforced by the recognition that the right to immigrate is conditional and carries certain responsibilities.
Kelsey Reinhardt from CatholicVote further articulates this viewpoint by highlighting the consequences of a disordered immigration system. She points out that chronic failures in managing immigration have led to exploitation and bolstered criminal enterprises, all while millions live without protections. The CatholicVote report, “Immigration Enforcement and the Christian Conscience,” takes a firm stance that enforcing immigration laws aligns with moral principles—suggesting that compassion and strict enforcement can coexist.
Echoing these themes, Ken Cuccinelli, former Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, noted the dual principles present in Catholic teaching: generosity towards migrants and the expectation that they respect the laws of the respective nations. He stressed that the U.S. has historically met the first principle but must also enforce the law when faced with illegal immigration.
Biblical texts further support the argument for defined borders within nations. The Old Testament offers directives that demonstrate God’s orders to Israel regarding trespassing into other nations. Notably, Numbers 20:21 outlines the commands not to infringe on the territories of neighboring peoples, underscoring the notion of divinely appointed boundaries. This is mirrored in Deuteronomy 32:8 and illustrated through the historical context of Nehemiah, prompting the belief that secure borders are not only practical but also divinely endorsed.
New Testament scripture also lends support to the legitimacy of governmental authority in enforcing immigration laws. Romans 13:1-7 speaks to the divine ordination of governing powers, while First Peter 2:13-17 advises Christians to submit to these authorities. This biblical framework reinforces the idea that civil laws, including immigration statutes, derive their authority from a higher moral imperative.
Within the Scriptures, a distinction is often made between lawful residents and unauthorized foreigners. Passages in Leviticus and Exodus emphasize the command to “love the stranger,” pointing to those who have submitted to the authority of their nation. In contrast, there are warnings against unauthorized entry, reflecting the potential chaos when illegal immigrants undermine societal order.
Thus, the engagement with immigration issues from both a religious and a practical standpoint suggests that a nation’s right to regulate its borders is supported by both the Catechism and the Bible. Therefore, when confronted with the question of how a Christian can justify deportations, the answer can indeed be grounded in Scripture: “Because the Bible told me so.” This affirmation represents a merging of faith and practical governance that seeks to reflect both compassion for migrants and adherence to the rule of law. The Pope’s clarifications initiate a critical discussion on how religious teachings intersect with national policies, reaffirming that the authority of nations and the rights of individuals can coexist within a framework of divine order.
"*" indicates required fields
