Pope Leo XIV Comments on National Guard Deployment in Chicago

Pope Leo XIV recently responded to a reporter’s inquiry about President Donald Trump’s decision to send National Guard troops to Chicago for crime control. The initial contingent was reported to have arrived in the city on Tuesday.

Officials in Illinois and Chicago have expressed their disapproval of this military presence. Governor J.B. Pritzker has gone as far as to file a lawsuit, claiming that the deployment lacks legality and does not have the necessary approval from local authorities.

Pope Leo, a Chicago native, was approached about the situation and acknowledged, “Yes, at this point, I don’t want to comment on the choices made in the US, or the political decisions.”

The recent discussions around the Pope’s words highlight tensions within the political landscape of the United States. Just last week, he stated his opposition to abortion while simultaneously critiquing the treatment of immigrants, emphasizing the inconsistency he sees in various political stances.

Trump’s approach to addressing crime through military means has been touted positively by some, including Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. She initially raised concerns when national guard deployments have come up in discussions.