Pope decries treatment of immigrants

Pope Leo decried mistreatment of immigrants as a “grave crime” on Thursday, pressing ahead with a message of welcome for migrants weeks after criticising US President Donald Trump's anti-immigration policies.

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Pope Leo, the first US pope, did not mention Mr Trump or his policies specifically at a Vatican meeting with international grassroots organisations, but said governments had a “moral obligation to provide refuge” to migrants in need.

“With the abuse of vulnerable migrants, we are witnessing, not the legitimate exercise of national sovereignty, but rather grave crimes committed or tolerated by the state,’ the pope said.