Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, has become a prominent voice of moral opposition to President Trump's policies, without directly criticizing him. He has become increasingly vocal about immigration and conflicts, including opposing the Iran war. This comes in stark contrast to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's comments at a Pentagon prayer service, which he called for "overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy." This makes him a unique figure in his position as an international figure due to his role as pope. In November, Leo supported the U.N. Roman Catholic bishops' statement criticizing the Trump administration's immigration and mass deportation policies, emphasizing the need for humane treatment. He also expressed concern over the U-Europe alliance and the Russia-Ukraine war.