Pope Francis, in an interview with Italian television on Sunday, expressed strong opposition to US President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial immigration policies, calling them a “disgrace.” Trump, known for his tough stance on illegal immigration, has previously vowed to deport all individuals residing in the United States without legal status and eliminate birthright citizenship. The Pope’s remarks come as tensions escalate over Trump’s proposed immigration crackdown.
Pope Francis Slams Immigration Crackdown
Pope Francis has long advocated for the rights of migrants and has frequently clashed with Trump over his far-right approach to immigration. In his interview, Francis stated that such policies would be a “disgrace” and that they would unjustly punish migrants who are already vulnerable. The Pope’s statement highlighted the moral concerns surrounding Trump’s plans, emphasising that this approach fails to address underlying issues.
A Call for Compassion and Fairness
The Pope further argued that “it would make the migrants, who have nothing, pay the unpaid bill,” asserting that such policies do not provide solutions but instead exacerbate problems. This is not the first time Pope Francis has criticised Trump’s rhetoric; in 2016, he famously called Trump “not Christian” for his stance on immigration and building a wall along the US-Mexico border. Since becoming the Pope in 2013, Francis has consistently advocated for migrants, refugees, and displaced individuals, positioning himself as a vocal critic of policies that he believes lack compassion.
Catholic Leaders Join the Criticism
Pope Francis’s remarks have resonated beyond the Vatican, with prominent Catholic leaders also voicing their concerns. Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, condemned Trump’s plan to conduct immigration raids in the city, calling them an affront to human dignity. His statement echoed the Pope’s message of advocating for the protection of all people, regardless of their immigration status.
Uncertainty Surrounds Trump’s Immigration Raids
Reports have emerged suggesting that Trump’s administration is reconsidering the planned raids targeting undocumented immigrants in Chicago, raising questions about the future of the controversial policy. Despite these concerns, the incoming Trump administration remains firm in its commitment to enforcing stricter immigration measures.
As the debate intensifies, Pope Francis continues to stand firm in his calls for compassion, urging leaders to seek solutions that uphold human dignity and protect the most vulnerable in society.