The Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) has extended a warm and hopeful welcome to Pope Leo XIV following his election to the papacy, expressing confidence in his moral leadership and commitment to defending the rights of migrants, refugees, and the disenfranchised.
As the world continues to grieve the death of Pope Francis, who was widely known for his compassionate stance on migration and social justice, HBA sees the new pontificate as an opportunity to build on that legacy. The group, which has long engaged with the Vatican on issues of racial equity and human rights, says it looks forward to deepening that relationship under Pope Leo XIV.
“Pope Leo XIV’s election is a beacon of hope for migrants and refugees worldwide,” said Guerline Jozef, Executive Director of Haitian Bridge Alliance. “His unwavering stance against unjust immigration policies, including those of the Trump and Vance administration, demonstrates a profound commitment to human dignity and justice.”
The election of Pope Leo XIV comes amid an unprecedented global displacement crisis. According to recent estimates, more than 110 million people have been forcibly displaced due to war, persecution, environmental disaster, and economic collapse. Many of those affected are Black migrants—including Haitian nationals—who face disproportionate barriers in their search for safety, particularly in the United States.
In its statement, HBA highlighted the discriminatory nature of current U.S. immigration policies, pointing to targeted deportations of Haitians, inhumane detention conditions, and recent executive actions that have effectively gutted asylum protections for Black migrants. The organization contrasted these actions with the preferential treatment extended to White Afrikaners from South Africa, calling attention to a disturbing disparity in who is granted protection under U.S. law.
“The contrast in policy priorities reveals a troubling pattern about who is deemed worthy of protection and belonging in these United States,” the statement read.
Founded as a grassroots coalition advocating for Black migrants and Haitian communities, Haitian Bridge Alliance works to provide legal support, humanitarian aid, and policy advocacy for some of the most vulnerable individuals navigating the U.S. immigration system. The organization champions a vision of radical inclusion and collective solidarity—values it hopes will resonate in Pope Leo XIV’s papacy.
“Now more than ever, the global Church must stand with the displaced, the disenfranchised, and the disregarded,” Jozef said. “We are hopeful that Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate will be marked by prophetic advocacy and a deep commitment to the dignity of every human being.”
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