Why Pope Leo Condemns the Rise of 'Nationalist Politics'?

In a powerful and impassioned Pentecost Sunday message delivered to tens of thousands gathered at St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo issued a sharp critique of the global rise of nationalist politics, warning against the dangers of exclusionary attitudes and prejudice.

- 

The American-born pontiff, who was elected just weeks ago as the first pope from the United States, called on the faithful to reject division and fear, and to embrace compassion, solidarity, and unity in an era marked by increasing political polarization.

Strong Stand Against Nationalism

During the Pentecost Mass, one of the most significant occasions in the Catholic liturgical calendar marking the descent of the Holy Spirit, Pope Leo spoke candidly about the troubling emergence of nationalist movements that promote division rather than inclusion. While he refrained from naming specific countries or political figures, his remarks were widely understood as a clear rebuke of the kind of political nationalism that fosters "security zones" and barriers between people.

"There is no room for prejudice, for 'security' zones separating us from our neighbors, for the exclusionary mindset that, unfortunately, we now see emerging also in political nationalisms," Pope Leo said, according to coverage by