Pope Leo takes ANOTHER shot at Trump as he sends 'heartfelt congratulations' to America on 250th independence anniversary

Pope Leo takes ANOTHER shot at Trump as he sends 'heartfelt congratulations' to America on 250th independence anniversary - Sign up here for our free, weekly DC Insider newsletter for a front-row seat to US politics - See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Pope Leo took yet another shot at President Donald Trump's politics in his 'heartfelt congratulations' on America's 250th birthday. The American pope honored the semiquincentennial on Saturday by writing a letter to his fellow citizens and wishing them to continue to be inspired by the 'spirit of 1776.' 'This semiquincentennial marks that defining moment in the history of the United States of America, July 4, 1776, that gave enduring voice to the ideals of liberty, equality, the pursuit of happiness, justice and democratic self-government,' he wrote. In the same letter, he appeared to take another dig at President Trump's immigration policies, as he reminded Catholics that 'defending human life' also included the lives of immigrants. 'Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants, whose hopes, sacrifices and contribution have formed part of the history of this country from its very beginning,' he wrote. 'In every generation, those who have arrived seeking freedom, opportunity and a place to belong have helped to shape the nation’s character,' he continued. 'To receive them with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity, but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human person.' This isn't the first time the native Chicagoan has criticized the Republican's immigration policies, which have sparked controversy across the nation. Pope Leo took another shot at President Donald Trump's immigration policies as he honored America on its 250th birthday The American pope and Trump had been at odds previously about the US leader's mass deportation policies The pontiff called for 'deep reflection' in November after clergy members were barred from bringing the Eucharist to migrants in an ICE facility in his hometown. 'Many people who've lived for years and years and years [in the United States], never causing problems, have been deeply affected by what's going on right now,' he said at the time. Last month, he also encouraged Americans to live like Mother Frances Cabrini, the first American saint. Cabrini is the patron saint of migrants, and is well known among many Americans for her work caring for Italian immigrants in the US at the end of the last century. However, her work extended beyond the US, as she extended her support across schools, hospitals, and orphanages across the globe. After she died in 1917, as a naturalized US citizen, Cabrini was blessed by the Catholic Church and canonized in 1946 as the first American saint. In praising Cabrini, Leo said that her faith inspired her to help those who had left everything behind in a bid to create a better life. 'What could be more relevant today than a missionary charism dedicated to serving migrants?' he said. Leo argued that 'defending human life' also meant protecting immigrations, 'whose hopes, sacrifices, and contribution have formed part of the history of this country from its very beginning' Border agents outside of an ICE facility in New Jersey last month Trump's immigration policies have become a point of contention in the US, where many Americans disagree with the administration's mass deportations 'Let us ask ourselves: if Mother Francesca were alive today, what would her missionary spirit tell her?' Leo said. 'And what would a pope like Francis - who, as the son of Italian immigrants, made service to migrants one of the key priorities of his pontificate - ask of her?' On Saturday, the pope also reminded Americans about the constitutional right to freedom of religion. '[It is] the right of every person to worship according to conscience and to practice their faith openly, without coercion or fear,' he wrote. 'In marking this anniversary, it is important to recognize that freedom of religion has long been central to the American promise, protecting both individual dignity and the peaceful coexistence of a diverse people.' The White House has not publicly responded to Leo's latest criticisms. The Daily Mail has reached out for comment.