Pope Leo Calls for Open Borders and Denounces Exclusionary Nationalism

VATICAN CITY - At a Pentecost Mass on Sunday in St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo issued a strong appeal against reemerging nationalist politics, urging the faithful to opt for love rather than fear, unity rather than division. The pope urged the faithful to pray God "open borders, break down walls [and] dispel hatred" so that all human persons could live as "children of our one Father who is in heaven."

Without mentioning any particular country or ruler, the pontiff cautioned that an "exclusionary mentality" is gaining ground among political movements globally, building "security enclaves" that divide neighbors and spread prejudice. "Where there is love, there is no place for prejudice…for the exclusionary mentality that, sadly, we now also see arising in political nationalisms," he said, urging the Church to break down walls of class, race and nationality.

Leo XIV, previously Cardinal Robert Prevost and the first pope to be born in the US, was elected on May 8 to succeed Pope Francis. His predecessor frequently complained about literal and figurative walls; Pope Leo appears to be walking down a similar road but with an emphasis on social mend and global harmony.

The words are being closely watched as world leaders converge for a series of summits during the summer, on the agenda of which are migration and security. The pontiff's words, commentators say, are certain to resonate beyond Vatican walls, offering a moral counterweight to exclusionary rhetoric extending its reach in many capitals.