In brief
In a recent interview, Pope Francis strongly criticized former President Donald Trump's plans to initiate sweeping deportations of undocumented migrants, describing such actions as a "disgrace." The pontiff expressed his concerns during a segment on Italian television from his quarters in the Vatican, highlighting the adverse impact such plans would have on vulnerable groups. "If these plans come to fruition, poor wretches who have nothing will be forced to bear the burden," he stated, emphasizing that this approach is not a legitimate solution to the migration crisis.
The Pope's remarks come as Trump prepares to execute what he claims will be the largest expulsion of undocumented immigrants in U.S. history shortly after taking office again on Monday. Known for his compassionate stance toward migrants, Pope Francis has consistently advocated for their rights. In a previous address, he labeled the systematic eviction of migrants as a "grave sin." Reflecting on Trump's border wall proposition in 2016, Francis remarked that "a person who only thinks about building walls... is not Christian."Pope Francis later met with Trump during the latter's visit to Rome in 2017. Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, he refrained from endorsing either Trump or his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris, instead urging citizens to select "the lesser evil" based on their conscience.In the extensive interview, the Pope also discussed the migration crisis in Europe, expressing that people have the right to live in their home countries, as well as the freedom to emigrate. He pointed out that certain southern European nations receiving large numbers of migrants face demographic challenges, needing additional workforce as many villages are becoming uninhabited due to low birth rates. Francis called for a thoughtful migration policy that would benefit these nations.Addressing global conflicts, the Pope expressed bewilderment regarding society's challenges in achieving peace, stating, "I don't know why... it feels as if there is an international push towards self-destruction." As Pope Francis continues to serve since his election in 2013, he remains a vocal advocate for humane migration policies and peace amidst global turmoil.
