Yesterday, history was made. Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American with decades of experience serving poor and working-class communities in Peru, was elected the 267th pope of the Catholic Church. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, he becomes the first American to ever lead the Church, and his background signals the potential for a new kind of leadership—one that’s deeply connected to the struggles of real people around the world.

At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we serve immigrants every day, people who are often fleeing violence, persecution, or instability, and who are seeking legal protection and a better future. That’s why this moment matters. We also recognize that law and policy are shaped by moral leadership—and religious institutions have long played a role in shaping how nations respond to those seeking refuge.

This moment is an opportunity for the new Pope to set a clear and forceful agenda: one that champions immigrant rights, addresses the root causes of displacement, and speaks firmly against systems and policies that marginalize the most vulnerable.

Who Is Pope Leo XIV?

Before being elected pope, Robert Prevost spent most of his ministry not in Rome, but in Peru, where he worked as a missionary, priest, teacher, and later bishop. He was known for walking alongside communities affected by poverty, government neglect, and instability. In 2014, Pope Francis brought him to the Vatican to help lead global conversations around Church governance, and now, after the May 2025 conclave, he has been chosen as the Church’s next spiritual leader.

During his first speech in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV called on the Church to “build bridges” and “keep our arms open… welcoming.” That message resonates deeply in today’s climate, where immigrants are often treated as outsiders or threats, rather than people deserving of dignity and opportunity.

Immigrants Are Facing Growing Pressure

Today, more than 117 million people around the world have been displaced from their homes. They’re fleeing war zones, repressive governments, gang violence, and natural disasters. And they’re not always met with help. Instead, many are stopped at borders, turned away from safety, or forced into overcrowded detention centers.

Here in the United States, we’ve seen growing efforts to limit asylum, speed up deportations, and punish people who try to come here legally. Programs like “self-deportation” incentives, increased ICE raids, and tighter legal definitions of asylum have made it harder for even the most vulnerable to find protection.

These policies affect real families—many of whom we represent across Connecticut. And that’s why leadership matters. A pope who understands what drives migration and who has lived among people affected by poverty and violence can play an important role in shifting the conversation.

Why the Pope’s Voice Matters

While the Catholic Church does not control immigration policy, it does influence how millions of people think about moral issues—including how nations treat migrants and refugees. Historically, the Church has spoken in favor of welcoming the stranger, defending the poor, and protecting the vulnerable. But more than ever, it’s important that those values are not just spoken in general terms—but applied to real-world situations.

When leaders in power hear those messages coming from the Vatican, it can make a difference. And when communities hear them, it can help push back against fear and misinformation.

War, Conflict, and the Root Causes of Migration

We cannot talk about immigration without talking about war. In Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and elsewhere, people are being displaced by violence they did not choose and cannot control. Families are being separated, and children are growing up in refugee camps or on the run.

Pope Leo XIV has a chance to speak not only about peace in spiritual terms—but about the real need for countries to stop fueling violence through war, weapons, and neglect. If fewer people were forced to flee, fewer would need to risk their lives crossing borders. That starts with international pressure for diplomacy, accountability, and rebuilding.

What This Means for Immigrant Families in the U.S.

Many of our clients at The Law Offices of James A. Welcome are directly affected by global displacement. Some are asylum seekers who have fled persecution and now await their hearings. Others are applying for marriage-based green cards or trying to reunite with family members overseas. All of them are impacted by how immigration is discussed—and how it’s handled—at every level, from government offices to churches and schools.

Right now, immigration law in the U.S. is changing rapidly. Under the Trump administration, we’ve seen expanded enforcement, fewer protections, and a greater risk of detention and deportation—even for people who have lived here peacefully for years. In this kind of climate, we need more voices standing up for what’s right.

Our Hope for Pope Leo XIV

We hope Pope Leo XIV will be one of those voices. A leader who doesn’t avoid difficult topics, but confronts them with truth. A leader who speaks not just about charity, but about justice. And a leader who sees the connection between global inequality, political violence, and the migration crisis.

At The Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we will continue our mission to defend immigrants and their rights. As Pope Leo XIV begins his leadership, we’ll be watching—and we’ll be hoping for leadership that’s not only spiritual, but bold and clear in its commitment to human dignity and peace. If you or a loved one is facing immigration issues, please reach out to us. Our experienced team is here to listen, evaluate your options, and stand by your side.

Call us at (203) 753-7300 or visit www.welcomelawfirm.com to schedule a consultation.