Pope Francis has spoken out strongly against President-elect Donald Trump’s reported plans to intensify immigration enforcement across the United States following his inauguration.
In an interview with Italy’s “Che Tempo Che Fa” programme on Channel 9, the pontiff called the proposed actions a “disgrace” and criticised their potential impact on vulnerable migrant communities.
“It would make the migrants, who have nothing, pay the unpaid bill,” Pope Francis stated during a video link from his Vatican residence. “It doesn’t work. You don’t resolve problems this way.”
The leader of the global Catholic Church, with over 1.4 billion members, is typically cautious about commenting on political matters. However, his remarks on Sunday highlight his deep concern over policies he sees as unjust.
Migration has been a central theme of Pope Francis’ nearly 12-year papacy. He has consistently advocated for the rights and dignity of migrants, often criticising policies and rhetoric that dehumanise them. During the 2016 US presidential campaign, the pope questioned Trump’s commitment to Christian values, stating that his anti-immigrant rhetoric was “not Christian.”
The Trump administration’s reported plans to conduct large-scale immigration raids, including in Chicago, have drawn widespread condemnation. On Saturday, incoming Trump officials suggested the president-elect was reconsidering these actions following public outcry.
Chicago’s Catholic archbishop, Cardinal Blase Cupich, also weighed in on the issue, calling the planned raids “an affront to the dignity of all people and communities.”
The debate over immigration enforcement in the U.S. is likely to remain a contentious issue, with voices like Pope Francis and other faith leaders continuing to advocate for the rights of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Melissa Enoch
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