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Pope Leo XIV on Saturday reignited the immigrants debate in the United States with a powerful message released on America's 250th Independence Day. In a letter to Americans, the Pope urged the nation to welcome, protect and assist immigrants, saying their hopes, sacrifices and contributions have shaped the country's history from the very beginning. During a visit to the Italian island of Lampedusa, a key arrival point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean, Pope Leo also paid tribute to those who lost their lives at sea and called for greater compassion, shared responsibility and long-term solutions to the migration crisis. The remarks come against the backdrop of previous public disagreements between Pope Leo and U.S. President Donald Trump over immigration and other policy issues.