Pope Leo XIV Addresses Global Challenges: Migrant Rights, US-Venezuela Tensions, and Rupnik Abuse Case

VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, addressed a range of pressing global issues on November 4, 2025, speaking to reporters outside his papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo. His remarks covered the spiritual rights of migrants in detention, escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, and the complex Father Marko Rupnik abuse case.

Advocacy for Migrants' Spiritual Rights

Pope Leo XIV expressed strong criticism regarding the treatment of migrants held in detention in the United States, particularly concerning their 'spiritual rights'. He highlighted reports of migrants being denied access to Communion at facilities such as the Broadview immigration site in Illinois on All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos. The Pope called for 'deep reflection' on the situation, urging authorities to grant pastoral workers access to detained migrants to attend to their spiritual needs. He underscored his message by citing Matthew's Gospel chapter 25, which questions how one receives the foreigner. These comments contribute to ongoing tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration over immigration policies.

Call for Dialogue Amid US-Venezuela Tensions

The pontiff also voiced significant concern over the increasing military presence and strikes by the United States on suspected drug-trafficking vessels off the coast of Venezuela. Pope Leo XIV stated that such military actions were 'increasing tension' and emphasized that 'violence never brings results'. He strongly advocated for dialogue as the path to resolving the issues between the two nations. In October 2025, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro reportedly appealed to Pope Leo XIV for mediation to help preserve peace, sending a formal letter to the Vatican. While the US describes its operations as targeting drug cartels, Maduro views them as attempts at 'regime change' and destabilization.

Justice Sought in Father Marko Rupnik Abuse Case

Addressing the sensitive Father Marko Rupnik abuse case, Pope Leo XIV affirmed his desire to see justice served. He confirmed that a new canonical trial has recently commenced with the appointment of judges by the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in July 2025. The Pope acknowledged the lengthy nature of justice processes and asked victims for patience, while stressing the Church's commitment to respecting the rights of all individuals, including the presumption of innocence. Father Rupnik, a former Jesuit priest, is accused of sexually, spiritually, and psychologically abusing dozens of women religious over a period of 30 years. The presence of his artwork in various churches and shrines, including within the Vatican, has been a source of trauma for victims, leading to some pieces being covered or removed. Rupnik was expelled from the Jesuit order in June 2023 for disobedience, and Pope Francis had previously lifted the statute of limitations on the allegations in 2023 to allow for a full investigation.