THE Pope has written to Americans urging them to remember their country was founded by immigrants, after snubbing Donald Trump's invitation to attend July 4 celebrations.
Pope Leo and the US president have clashed in recent months, with Trump branding the Pope "weak on crime" after he appeared to criticise the US's actions in Iran.
The American-born pontiff turned down an invitation from Trump to attend July 4 celebrations in the US, and reportedly said he would not return to the US while Trump remains president.
Instead, Pope Leo spent his Saturday on the Sicilian island of Lampedusa to pray at a migrant cemetery and celebrate a solemn Mass for the island’s residents and newest arrivals.
The five-mile-long island is the main port of entry into Europe for hundreds of thousands of migrants who crossed by boat from Libya or Tunisia, often smuggled by human traffickers.
The Pope prayed for the tens of thousands of people who have died trying to reach Europe to find freedom, met with a group of migrants, and blessed a plaque before celebrating Mass.
His visit sent a pointed message to the Trump administration, which is currently celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US.
And in a letter sent to Americans marking the July 4 anniversary, Pope Leo has insisted that protecting the unborn and all human life also means “welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants, whose hopes, sacrifices and contribution have formed part of the history of this country from its very beginning”.
“To receive them with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity, but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human person,” the pontiff wrote.
Under Trump, the US administration has cracked down heavily on immigration, with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) department known for dehumanising and deadly tactics which have killed a number of individuals.
In his letter, the Pope continued: "In every generation, those who have arrived seeking freedom, opportunity and a place to belong have helped to shape the nation's character.
"To receive them with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity, but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human person."
The pontiff added that "we need one another, and we need to work together in unity to confront the challenges that the world is facing today".
