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Pope Leo XIV Skips US, Prioritizes Latin America Visits After Condemning Trump Immigration Raids
First American Pope opts for Latin America and Africa over US trip in 2026 after branding Trump's treatment of migrants as "extremely disrespectful".
Published on Feb. 8, 2026
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The first American Pope, Pope Leo XIV, has confirmed he will not visit the United States in 2026, instead prioritizing trips to Latin America and Africa. This decision follows the pontiff's November condemnation of former President Trump's immigration enforcement, which he described as "extremely disrespectful" and involving instances of violence during deportation raids. The Vatican has stated that a US trip is not on the agenda for 2026, with the Pope expected to visit multiple countries in Latin America, Africa, and Europe before the end of the year.
Why it matters
Pope Leo XIV's choice to prioritize Latin American nations carries symbolic weight, as the vast majority of those detained in Trump's deportation operations were Catholics from Latin America. By visiting their countries of origin rather than the US, the pontiff appears to be making a deliberate statement about his pastoral priorities and the Catholic Church's stance on immigration policies.
The details
The Holy See Press Office confirmed on Sunday that a US trip is not on the agenda for 2026, ending weeks of speculation about a high-profile visit around September's United Nations General Assembly in New York. The decision follows the pontiff's November condemnation of Trump's immigration enforcement, when he described the treatment of migrants as 'extremely disrespectful' and called out instances of violence during deportation raids. Pope Leo is expected to visit multiple countries in Latin America, Africa, and Europe before year's end, including a potential visit to Mexico to entrust his pontificate to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
- In November, Pope Leo backed US Catholic bishops who issued their first 'special message' in 12 years, condemning Trump's mass deportation agenda.
- Following Donald Trump's January attack on Venezuela, the pope condemned 'diplomacy based on force' and a renewed 'zeal for war'.
- Pope Leo gave Vice President JD Vance an icy reception when the vice president attended his inaugural mass last May.
The players
Pope Leo XIV
The first American Pope, who was born in Chicago and has chosen to prioritize visits to Latin America and Africa over the United States in 2026.
Donald Trump
The former US President whose immigration enforcement policies and deportation operations were condemned by Pope Leo XIV as "extremely disrespectful".
JD Vance
The US Vice President who converted to Catholicism in 2019 and received an icy reception from Pope Leo XIV at his inaugural mass.
What’s next
The Vatican traditionally avoids scheduling papal visits close to elections, and a trip to the US later in 2026 would place his travel uncomfortably close to the US midterm elections in November.
The takeaway
Pope Leo XIV's decision to prioritize visits to Latin America and Africa over the United States in his first year as pontiff represents a significant departure from precedent and a clear statement about the Catholic Church's priorities under his leadership, particularly when it comes to immigration and the treatment of migrant communities.
