Pope Leo tells US bishops to address Trump's immiration policy

Pope Leo told U.S. bishops visiting him at the Vatican that they should firmly address how immigrants are being treated by President Donald Trump's hardline policies, in the latest push by the pontiff on the issue.



Leo, the first U.S. pope, was handed dozens of letters from immigrants describing their fears of deportation under the Trump administration's policies during the meeting, which included bishops and social workers from the U.S.-Mexico border.



The Vatican did not immediately comment on the pope's meeting.



Elected in May replacing the late Pope Francis, Leo has shown a much more reserved style than his predecessor, who frequently criticised the Trump administration and often spoke in surprise, off-the-cuff remarks.



But Leo has been ramping up his criticism in recent weeks.



The pope questioned on September 30 whether the Trump administration's anti-immigration policies were in line with the Catholic Church's pro-life teachings, in comments that drew heated backlash from some prominent conservative Catholics.



The White House has said Trump was elected based on his many promises, including to deport criminal illegal aliens.