May 2025 was an eventful month for many Catholics following the news of Pope Francis’ death on April 21st. Subsequently, the conclave began on May 7, as the whole world watched eagerly to see if white smoke would soon appear from the Sistine Chapel. All the media were talking about it, and the focus was on Rome.

Perhaps some were expecting a longer conclave, but the following day, May 8, 2025, the cardinals had already elected a new pope. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope.

Since then, the whole world has welcomed him and sought to form an opinion of him. To be Pope is certainly to be at the centre of many people’s attention, criticism, and opinions.

What matters most to JRS Canada is his position on the dignity and rights of migrants and refugees. In his first speech addressed to the world’s diplomats, he spoke of his own background as a descendant of immigrants and called for compassion and solidarity for those seeking a better life.

“My story is that of a citizen, the descendant of immigrants, himself an emigrant. In the course of life, each of us may find ourselves in good health or ill, with or without a job, in our homeland or in a foreign land; yet our dignity always remains the same, that of a creature willed and loved by God,” he declared on May 16th at the Vatican.

Pope Leo’s heritage reflects a complex history, including links with Louisiana’s French, Spanish, African, and Native American cultures.

His family’s migration out of Louisiana during the 20th century reflects a broader trend among Creole communities to seek better opportunities and escape racial discrimination. The Pope’s ancestry symbolizes an important part of American history, reflecting the diversity and richness of the nation.

Pope Leo XIV seems to have an open heart for protecting the rights and dignity of vulnerable people.

His advocacy for migrants is in line with his past work as a missionary in Peru, where he supported Venezuelan migrants and called for better treatment of displaced people.

“No one is exempt from striving to ensure respect for the dignity of every person, especially the most fragile and vulnerable, from the unborn to the elderly, from the sick to the unemployed, from citizens to immigrants,” Pope Leo XIV told Vatican ambassadors.

The choice of his papal name, Leo XIV, also testifies to his commitment to Catholic social teaching, particularly in defence of the rights of workers and immigrants.

Some analysts believe he will maintain Pope Francis’ firm stance on migration, questioning restrictive immigration policies.

Will he take a stand against the deportation of immigrants who are on U.S. soil?

Only time will tell.

Joanna Kozakiewicz
Communications Coordinator
for JRS Canada