In a recent interview, Pope Francis condemned Donald Trump's plans for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants as a "disgrace," highlighting the moral implications and advocating for a more compassionate approach.
Pope Francis Critiques Trump’s Immigration Plans as a ‘Disgrace’
Pope Francis Critiques Trump’s Immigration Plans as a ‘Disgrace’
Pope Francis expresses disapproval of Trump's proposed deportation of migrants, emphasizing the need for compassion and humane solutions.
In a conversation aired on Italian television from his Vatican residence, Pope Francis expressed grave concern over Donald Trump's ambition to initiate the largest expulsion of undocumented immigrants from the United States shortly after taking office. His remarks underline a consensus that vilifying vulnerable groups does not effectively address complex societal issues. "Poor wretches that don't have anything foot the bill," he remarked, adding, "That's not right. That's not how you solve problems."
The Pope, known for his dedication to the plight of migrants, called out systemic efforts to expel them as a "grave sin" in a public audience last summer. He drew from his earlier criticism of Trump's vision, stating in 2016 that "a person who thinks only about building walls... and not of building bridges, is not Christian." This was in reference to Trump's campaign promise to construct a barrier along the Mexican border.
While the two leaders met in 2017, their ideological differences were glaring. Ahead of the upcoming 2024 presidential election, the Pope refrained from endorsing either Trump or Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, instead urging voters to choose "the lesser evil" based on their conscience.
During the interview, Pope Francis also expanded the discussion to European migration discussions, denouncing the prevailing "cruelty" of the situation. He asserted the fundamental rights of individuals: "the right to remain home and the right to emigrate." He pointed out the demographic challenges facing southern European nations, many of which receive a high influx of migrants while grappling with low birth rates and empty villages. "A good, well-thought-out migrant policy would help countries like Italy and Spain too," he advised.
Furthermore, the Pope expressed confusion over the inability to achieve peace in conflict areas like Ukraine and the Middle East, lamenting a seemingly "international drive towards self-destruction." Since ascending to the papacy in 2013, Francis has consistently advocated for compassionate policies that prioritize humanity over division.
The Pope, known for his dedication to the plight of migrants, called out systemic efforts to expel them as a "grave sin" in a public audience last summer. He drew from his earlier criticism of Trump's vision, stating in 2016 that "a person who thinks only about building walls... and not of building bridges, is not Christian." This was in reference to Trump's campaign promise to construct a barrier along the Mexican border.
While the two leaders met in 2017, their ideological differences were glaring. Ahead of the upcoming 2024 presidential election, the Pope refrained from endorsing either Trump or Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, instead urging voters to choose "the lesser evil" based on their conscience.
During the interview, Pope Francis also expanded the discussion to European migration discussions, denouncing the prevailing "cruelty" of the situation. He asserted the fundamental rights of individuals: "the right to remain home and the right to emigrate." He pointed out the demographic challenges facing southern European nations, many of which receive a high influx of migrants while grappling with low birth rates and empty villages. "A good, well-thought-out migrant policy would help countries like Italy and Spain too," he advised.
Furthermore, the Pope expressed confusion over the inability to achieve peace in conflict areas like Ukraine and the Middle East, lamenting a seemingly "international drive towards self-destruction." Since ascending to the papacy in 2013, Francis has consistently advocated for compassionate policies that prioritize humanity over division.
