In brief
In an interview, Pope Francis condemned Donald Trump's plans for mass deportations, emphasizing the importance of humane treatment for migrants.
Pope Francis has strongly criticized Donald Trump's immigration plans, labeling them a "disgrace" during a recent Italian television interview from the Vatican. Expressing concern over the potential for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, the Pope stated that such actions would unfairly punish the vulnerable. "Poor wretches that don't have anything must not foot the bill," he said, underscoring that this approach would not solve existing issues in society.Trump, upon taking office, has pledged to initiate the largest deportation effort in U.S. history. The Pope, in a message shared Monday, extended "cordial greetings" to the incoming president and urged him to foster a society free of hatred and exclusion. He called for leadership that promotes peace and reconciliation among different communities.The Pope's advocacy for migrants has been unwavering, previously condemning systematic efforts to drive them away as "a grave sin." In a notable statement made before the 2016 presidential election, he remarked, "A person who thinks only about building walls... and not about building bridges, is not Christian." This comment was aimed at Trump's border wall promise, suggesting that such rhetoric contradicts Christian values.In a 2017 meeting between Trump and the Pope in Rome, the significance of compassion and dialogue was highlighted, though their views continue to diverge on immigration policies. As the U.S. heads toward the 2024 presidential election, the Pope refrained from endorsing any candidate, merely advising voters to choose "the lesser evil" based on their conscience.Pope Francis also shed light on European migration challenges, recognizing the "cruelty" faced by migrants and asserting their right to live and work in their home countries or emigrate when necessary. Emphasizing demographic concerns, he pointed out that nations like Italy and Spain could benefit from a thoughtful migration policy due to declining birthrates.On other global issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the Pope expressed bewilderment at the persistent difficulty in achieving peace, stating, "It’s as if there was an international drive towards self-destruction." At 88 years old, Francis continues to advocate for humanitarian values, pressing for understanding in a world often divided by conflict and exclusion.
