Pope Leo has criticized the world's treatment of migrants and refugees, claiming they are often viewed as 'worse than house pets or animals' during a press conference on his return to Rome from a four-nation Africa tour.

Leo, who has previously attacked US President Donald Trump's hardline immigration policies, called for better treatment of migrants, stating: 'They are human beings, and we have to treat human beings in a humanitarian way and not treat them worse … than house pets or animals.'

The first US-born head of the Roman Catholic Church did not reference any specific country when calling out the ill-treatment of immigrants, but has previously questioned whether the Trump administration's policies align with the Church's pro-life teachings, drawing sharp criticism from conservative US Catholics.

Speaking on Thursday, Leo acknowledged countries' right to control their borders but urged richer nations to help develop the countries migrants are leaving, so they do not feel compelled to leave. 'What are richer countries doing to change the situation for poorer countries?' he asked. 'And why can't we seek … to change the situations in [those] countries?'

Pope Leo also condemned the killing of protesters in Iran earlier this year, after President Trump attacked the Catholic leader for not speaking out on the subject while criticizing US-Israeli attacks on Iran. 'I condemn all actions that are unjust. I condemn the taking of people's lives,' the pope said in response to reports that Iran killed thousands of anti-government protesters in January.

Leo was attacked by Trump on social media as 'terrible' on April 12, after the pope emerged as an outspoken critic of the Iran war. In a post two days later, Trump asked 'will someone please tell Pope Leo' about the deaths of Iranian protesters.

Ahead of his Africa tour, Leo said he did not wish to 'debate' Trump and that he did not fear the Trump administration. 'I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems,' he said.

Leo returned to Rome after wrapping up his Africa trip in Equatorial Guinea. The pope defended his decision to visit countries known for having authoritarian leaders, with both Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon governed by long-term leaders. He said the Vatican maintains diplomatic relationships with the governments in those countries, adding: 'We don't always make great proclamations … but there's an awful lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to promote justice.'

Source: www.aljazeera.com