What Does the Election of a New Pope Mean for US Immigration?

When white smoke finally rose heavenward from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, an estimated 1.4 billion Catholics around the world turned their eyes towards Rome and rejoiced at the election of a new pope.

For many, it was more than just a ceremonial moment – it was the start of a new chapter for the Catholic Church, the world’s largest Christian institution.

In the last 100 years, only nine men have held the papacy, each leaving a distinct imprint on not just their own religion but also on global affairs, history and the moral tone of the world.

Now, the College of Cardinals has made a historic choice and deeply symbolic choice by electing Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, the first American to ascend to the papacy.

His appointment marks a significant cultural and geopolitical shift. In a world increasingly defined by migration, climate upheaval, nationalism and shifting global power, Pope Leo’s voice will carry influence well beyond the Vatican City walls.

Although his long-term impact remains to be seen, early signs suggest that Pope Leo XIV will follow in the footsteps of his predecessor Francis by prioritising immigration policy, human rights and support for displaced peoples.

He may also come to represent something new: a truly global, mobile leader in an age dominated by borders.

With dual citizenship in the United States and Peru and a multicultural background that spans continents, he arguably embodies the values of mobility, inclusion, and international identity more than any pontiff before him.

Some may even see him as the Church’s first ‘Nomad Pope’ – a figure who bridges the divide between the developed and developing world and whose outlook reflects the lived reality of a planet in motion.

His words from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica captured that spirit as he declared to the global church and wider world, ‘I am a Roman’. It was not a national statement but a universal one – rooted in tradition but open to modernity.

Such a moment raises key questions:

• Should we be surprised by the direction the Church is taking under this American pope?
• What impact might the new pontiff and his values have on US immigration policy, public sentiment and global mobility in the years ahead?

New Pope Leo and Trump’s Immigration Reforms

Pope Leo XIV’s elevation wasn’t the only recent election with global significance.

Across the Atlantic, President Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office has brought renewed focus on immigration. A cornerstone of his re-election campaign, Trump has already tightening border controls, signalling a more aggressive stance on preventing illegal immigration into the country.

He’s also resurrecting some of his most controversial immigration policies by pushing for travel bans on Muslim-majority countries, renewing efforts to extend the southern border wall, and calling for the end of Temporary Protected Status for citizens of certain countries.

Most strikingly, perhaps, he’s signed an Executive Order aimed at ending birthright citizenship in the US, though this initiative currently finds itself bogged down in the courts.

If enacted, the move would end the long-standing principle of granting automatic citizenship to children both on US soil, unless at least one parent is a US citizen or permanent resident.

Whether Trump’s proposals will pass constitutional scrutiny or gain traction in Congress remains to be seen but one thing is clear – under Trump, the direction of US immigration policy is firmly set.

Enter Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost (aka Pope Leo XIV), born in Chicago to a family of French, Italian and Spanish heritage. He holds dual US and Peruvian citizenship and his maternal grandparents – part of a mixed-race Louisiana Creole family from New Orleans – reflect a diverse and deeply American lineage.

While ancestry doesn’t define a leader, the first pontiff with such a background underscores a powerful idea: he’s both a citizen of the US and a global citizen, rooted in multiple cultures and identities.

And in terms of Trump’s immigration policy, that’s not all. 

Outspoken on the Issue of Immigration

While Pope Leo XIV is expected to be more pragmatic, cautious and discreet than his predecessor Francis, he has already signalled that he won’t remain silent on one of the most pressing issues of our time: immigration.

In a recent interview with The New York Times, the pope’s brother commented: 

‘I know he’s not happy with what’s going on with immigration. How far he’ll go with it is anyone’s guess….. I don’t think he’ll be the silent one’.

That would seem to indicated the spiritual leader of American catholics intends to follow the stance of the last pope, Francis, who memorably described Trump’s immigration policy on mass deportations as a crisis that was harming ’the dignity of many men and women’.

Like Francis, this Holy Father appears prepared to continue the Catholic Church’s strong advocacy for migrant and refugee rights which it describes as a matter of human dignity.

Whether he will directly condemn Trump’s policies that restrict US migration is unknown, but it seems possible. One thing is certain: among the 53 million US adults who identify as Catholic, Pope Leo’s views will be influential. 

American Catholics account for around 20% of the American population, a considerable number even if some remain sceptical of the Vatican’s request that nations embrace migrants with open arms.

Does all of the above make the new Pope Leo XIV a revolutionary pope, following in his predecessor’s footsteps? The jury is out but it seems certain the first American pope will have a good understanding of the issues and a courageous voice to match.

A Pragmatic Approach to World Issues

The last pope, Francis, was viewed globally as something of a maverick figure, rebuking previous administrations for their migration crackdowns and mass deportation plans, arguing that they damage the dignity of many.

The Francis papacy emphasised that migrants possess inherent dignity and should be treated respectfully, not as criminals or burdens.

Many observers believe something similar is going to happen with the new pope, Leo XIV, and while that’s a big prediction right now, it would appear that interesting times lie ahead for both the Holy See and the White House.

This will be the first pontiff to understands the immigration issue on both sides: As a Chicagoan he knows what it’s like to be from a receiving nation and, as a Peruvian bishop, he also understands the motivations of those who embark on the journey of immigration.

In addition, his modern world view will be deeply informed by his religious teachings and belief system and, like the Pope before him, it’s unlikely he’s be afraid to voice those views. 

However, we have seen a shift away from more ideological stances toward a more pragmatic and open approach to important issues. 

Like other contemporary popes, this may sometimes frustrate more conservative Catholics, but it’s probably he will seek to move the global church forward in balance with the views of all his fellow cardinals and the faithful.

Neither conservative nor liberal, but as someone who understands the importance of church unity, Pope Leo XIV will likely champion the principles of social justice. 

A Universal ‘American’ Pope?

The new pontiff is expected to lead calls for a more compassionate approach to migration that respects the rights of all people, regardless of their immigration status. 

Regardless of how many trips Vice President JD Vance makes to the Vatican, that message is almost certain to clash with President Trump’s more hardline stance, and the views of many of his supporters.

What’s also remarkable about Pope Leo, is the speed of his elevation. He was raised to cardinal status by Pope Francis in 2023, an indication that his views on social justice and inclusion aligned closely with that of the previous papacy.

In his first formal audience, the new pope signalled his plans clear continuity with Francis, highlighting the risks of artificial intelligence and reaffirming his commitment to church reform.

Known as a thoughtful man, he speaks five languages – English, Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese – and plans to use travel as an indispensable tool for connecting with the global Catholic community.

Despite being born in Chicago, Leo can’t be judged just as an American. His background, worldview and values reflect a broader, universal identity that transcends borers and speaks to a global audience.

In our book, that makes him a universal pope or, perhaps, the first true Nomad Pope. 

There’s a growing consensus within the Church that the new pope, Leo XIV, will bring something special to the papacy. He has already made clear his belief that migrants are seeking freedom and a better life and that nations have a moral obligation to welcome them.

More than a Symbolic Figure

While Pope Leo XIV is the visible head of the Catholic Church, a position that carries much symbolic importance, he’s much more than a ceremonial figurehead.

The modern papacy wields real global influence – mediating conflicts, advocating for peace, and shaping the moral conversation on major social and political issues. 

It looks like even Donald Trump, who himself identifies as a non-denominational Christian, is aware of the gravitas Pope Leo carries. 

In an effort to reset relations with the Vatican – damaged by the Ukraine war and immigration policies – the Trump administration dispatched Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the Holy See.

How effective this diplomatic offensive was will unfold in the coming months but it’s clear that the new pope is not afraid to exercise his authority, even if that means criticising Trump and speaking out on migration issues.

Whether any of this will impact Trump’s policies is another matter entirely. 

US Immigration – Are There Better Options?

As the US tightens its borders and revives talk of mass deportations, the spotlight on migration has never been brighter. For those seeking a better life – and for those with the freedom to choose – America is becoming a less attractive destination.

At Nomad Capitalist we’re not anti-American. We simply no longer accept that it’s the best country in the world – not when other nations are offering more freedom, more opportunity, and far fewer obstacles to getting in.

Legacy brand nations like the US, UK and Canada are in decline, and with them, the promise they once held. The opportunities in those states are shrinking, the systems are overburdened, and the rules are becoming harder to navigate.

For entrepreneurs concerned about the direction of travel – whether it’s your next passport, residency, or long-term base – there are better options available.

From the emerging nations of Asia and Latin America to tax-friendly jurisdictions in Europe and the Middle East, there are countries out there that are not just open for business – they’re building futures that reward mobility, freedom and contribution. 

In that context, the election of a globally minded, pro-migrant pope sends a powerful message. It reminds the world that compassion, openness, and forward thinking are not just moral ideas – they’re smart policy.

And when even the Vatican is amplifying that message, it validates what we’ve been saying for years: the future belong to those willing to move, adapt, and go where they’re treated best.

At Nomad Capitalist, we help seven- and eight-figure entrepreneurs and investors design and build bespoke, legally sound strategies to reduce taxes, protect assets, and expand global freedom.

With a trusted global network of lawyers, estate agents, accountants, and corporate service providers, we offer more than theory – we offer results.

This isn’t just about leaving. It’s about arriving somewhere better. Let us show you how.