POPE LEO USHERS IN A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

USHERING IN THE NEW POPE LEO

By: Derek Varsalona

I was raised Catholic.  But consider myself to be a non-denominational Christian.  To be honest with you, I do not understand the difference between an Episcopal, a Methodist, a Baptist, etc. They all likely believe in Jesus as their savior, but there are different ways to get to salvation.

I am very happy for the new Pope and excited that we have an American as Pope.  One of his main tasks is going to be to be an outspoken leader on immigration.  Look for the Vatican Embassy to the United States, known as THE HOLY SEE, to ask for open borders.

But the Catholic Church's position on open borders is religious, not political.  They want more parishioners and more tax-exempt money due to the Separation of Church and State in the US Constitution.  Still, I believe that all religious institutions are tax evaders and should pay taxes.  If that were true, we could solve a lot of the problems in America, hunger and help for the poor, to name a few.  But the fact of the matter is that we have a Separation of Church and State.  The way I see it, if I were on the Supreme Court, I would say the Separation of Church and State does not give you the right to be a tax evader. You must pay taxes. 

The Pope is going to try and heal the political and religious divide between White and Latino Catholics.  That is a tall order to fill.  Especially when you're a supporter of immigrant rights.  Let's get this straight.  I am not against immigration.  I am against illegal immigration.  Put it to you this way. If someone broke into your house, would you feed them dinner?  That is essentially what they are doing.  They are breaking the law, breaking into this country and taking our food stamps, housing, health care, etc., etc., etc.. Sorry to say so like the King from The King and I. 

As for Pope Leo, I wish him the best of luck and will pray for him.  AS for immigration, come in legally, that is all I ask, and you can have all the benefits that an American citizen obtains. As always, comments are accepted.

Pope Leo

Source: Russell Contreras. "Pope Leo's Tall Task: Healing Catholic America's Political Divide." Axois.com Rome/VaticanCity/Holy See: Friday, May 9, 2025. https://www.axios.com/2025/05/09/pope-leo-american-catholics-whites-latinos