In a recent interview from his Vatican residence, Pope Francis criticized Donald Trump's proposed plans to deport illegal migrants from the United States, calling them a "disgrace." He remarked that if the deportations occur, it would unjustly burden "poor wretches that don't have anything." This statement echoes the Pope's longstanding advocacy for migrants, emphasizing that driving them away is not an appropriate solution.
Trump's Migration Deportation Plans Criticized by Pope Francis
Trump's Migration Deportation Plans Criticized by Pope Francis
Pope Francis labels Donald Trump's impending deportation policies for migrants as a "disgrace" in a recent interview, voicing strong opposition to the planned expulsion of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
Trump has indicated intentions to initiate the largest removal of undocumented immigrants in U.S. history shortly after taking office. Historically, the Pope has considered migration issues deeply important; last August, he condemned the systematic expulsion of migrants as a “grave sin.” In 2016, prior to Trump’s first presidential term, he indicated that focusing solely on building walls, rather than bridges, conflicts with Christian values.
The two figures met in Rome in 2017, though their relationship has remained complex. Ahead of the 2024 election, Pope Francis refrained from endorsing either Trump or Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, suggesting voters consider "the lesser evil" based on their conscience.
During the interview, the Pope also discussed migration challenges in Europe, highlighting the prevalent “cruelty” faced by migrants. He asserted that everyone holds the right to stay in their homeland or emigrate, and noted that southern European nations experiencing significant migrant arrivals are also facing demographic challenges due to declining birth rates.
"Pope Francis added that effective migrant policy could greatly benefit countries like Italy and Spain, where some areas are facing depopulation." Furthermore, he touched upon global conflicts, expressing confusion regarding the inability to achieve peace. "It's as if there was an international drive towards self-destruction," he stated.
Pope Francis, at 88 years old, has led the Catholic Church since 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, and continues to advocate for human rights and compassion towards migrants worldwide.
The two figures met in Rome in 2017, though their relationship has remained complex. Ahead of the 2024 election, Pope Francis refrained from endorsing either Trump or Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, suggesting voters consider "the lesser evil" based on their conscience.
During the interview, the Pope also discussed migration challenges in Europe, highlighting the prevalent “cruelty” faced by migrants. He asserted that everyone holds the right to stay in their homeland or emigrate, and noted that southern European nations experiencing significant migrant arrivals are also facing demographic challenges due to declining birth rates.
"Pope Francis added that effective migrant policy could greatly benefit countries like Italy and Spain, where some areas are facing depopulation." Furthermore, he touched upon global conflicts, expressing confusion regarding the inability to achieve peace. "It's as if there was an international drive towards self-destruction," he stated.
Pope Francis, at 88 years old, has led the Catholic Church since 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, and continues to advocate for human rights and compassion towards migrants worldwide.
