Catholic Criticism of the United States
Apparently, the man who calls himself Pope Leo XIV has followed the lead of some Catholic "bishops" in the United States and has decided to criticize our government. Angela Griffin posted on November 19, 2025 that Leo has expressed "his disapproval of Donald Trump's immigration policies, saying foreigners in the US are being treated in an 'extremely disrespectful way.'" First, did these same "bishops" likewise accuse Barack Obama when he deported more than three million of them (according to Google)? More importantly, what business is it of religious figures to comment on political policy? Oh, sure, they might speak out if someone like Mussolini were in control. Come to think of it, did that happen? Hmm.
The only time Christians state a political view is if morality is involved, such as in the case of abortion, in which innocent children are murdered. We have also opposed immoral concepts, such as homosexual marriage or the proliferation of gambling casinos. Most Christians, however, do not seek to control a nation's immigration policy. Does anyone recall Jesus leading a protest against Rome because they shamefully treated criminals when they crucified them? No. His purpose was to teach people how to conduct themselves. He taught and showed people the way to love God and one another (Matt. 22:37-40). He concentrated on spiritual truth (John 8:24, 31-32, 44).
According to a Townhall article (February 5, 2026) by Kevin McCullough, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson responded to what Leo said with Scriptures. He cited Romans 13. Verse 1 states that governing authorities are appointed by God and that their authority needs to be respected (v. 2). Civil government is God's minister to its citizens for good (v. 4). Only evildoers need to be afraid—"for he does not bear the sword in vain" (v. 4). Our government has the right to deport illegals—and why some cities are defending rapists and murderers in a misguided effort to keep them here is a profound mystery. Those who violate a nation's laws should expect to be deported due to their transgressions.
Many churches have the wrong emphasis. A key problem is the failure to recognize that the church belongs to Christ (Eph. 1:22-23). His Deity is the foundation upon which the church is built (Matt. 16:18-19), and with His blood Jesus purchased the church. Instead of commenting on social and political problems, many religious groups should devote themselves to studying the Scriptures, where they would find described the true nature and purpose of the church. Catholicism would find, for example, no authority for a position of pope, cardinal, or archbishop—and that no one should be called "father" (Matt. 23:8-10). Also, Jesus is the Head of the church on earth (Matt. 28:18). Sorting out these things would keep them busy.