Pope Francis condemns Trump’s mass deportation plans as ‘disgrace’
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Rome: Pope Francis criticized Donald Trump’s plans for mass deportations of immigrants, calling the policy a “disgrace” during an appearance on the popular Italian talk show 'Che Tempo Che Fa' on Sunday night. The pontiff’s remarks came just days before Trump, who made immigration reform a cornerstone of his campaign, is set to be sworn in as President of the United States.
Addressing the issue, Francis said, “If true, this will be a disgrace, because it makes the poor wretches who have nothing pay the bill for the problem. This won't do! This is not the way to solve things. That's not how things are resolved.”
Trump’s pledge to enact mass deportations and build a wall along the US-Mexico border has drawn sharp criticism from Catholic leaders. During his first presidential campaign in 2016, Francis denounced such measures, stating that anyone who builds walls to keep out migrants is “not Christian.”
The Pope’s views echo the broader sentiment of US Catholic bishops, who have consistently opposed Trump’s immigration policies. Cardinal Robert McElroy, the incoming Archbishop of Washington, D.C., recently described mass deportation plans as “incompatible with Catholic doctrine,” referencing the Biblical mandate to “welcome the stranger.”
Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, a close ally of Francis, also voiced his concerns about deportation efforts. Speaking from the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, Cupich said such actions are “profoundly disturbing” and “wound us deeply.” While acknowledging that governments have the duty to protect borders and communities, he emphasized the equal importance of defending the rights and dignity of all people.
Francis, the first Latin American pope and the son of Italian immigrants, has consistently championed the rights of migrants throughout his papacy. He has urged nations to welcome, protect, and integrate migrants within their capacities, emphasizing that their dignity and rights should take precedence over national security concerns.
As Trump prepares to take office, his immigration policies are set to remain a divisive issue, with Catholic leaders continuing to advocate for compassion and human dignity in the treatment of migrants.
With PTI inputs