Rome — Almost ten years after labeling Donald Trump “not a Christian” for his ambition to construct a barrier along the Mexican boundary, Pope Francis has pledged to respect the incoming US leader’s commitment to halt significant immigration. He described Donald Trump’s strategy to implement deportations as “shameful.” border.
Francisco expressed these thoughts during an appearance on a late-night talk program, and on Monday he officially congratulated Trump on his inauguration. Francis mentioned that he hoped the United States would fulfill its aspiration of becoming “a nation of opportunity and welcoming to all.”
“I wish that under your guidance the American populace will thrive and continually aim to establish a more equitable society devoid of animosity, prejudice, or exclusion,” he stated in the Telegram.
The inaugural Latin American pope appeared on Italy’s well-known talk show Che Tempo Che Fa on Sunday evening and was inquired about the Trump administration’s deportation assurance.
“If true, this is disgraceful, as impoverished individuals with nothing will bear the brunt of this,” Francis remarked. “This is unacceptable! This is not the solution to the issue. It fails to resolve matters.”
President Trump, who will take office on Monday, has made mass deportation a key element of his campaign, pledging numerous executive actions from day one to transform immigration policies.
During Trump’s initial presidential campaign in 2016, Francisco was questioned about the Republican proposal to construct a wall along the U.S.-Mexico boundary. After officiating a mass near the border, Francis notably remarked that those who erect barriers to block migrants are “not Christians.”
A multitude of U.S. bishops has staunchly opposed Mr. Trump’s deportation initiative, and Cardinal Robert McElroy, the forthcoming archbishop of Washington, D.C., has stated that such a policy is “inconsistent with Catholic doctrine.” This referenced the Biblical call to “welcome the stranger.”
Chicago Cardinal Blas Cupich, another cardinal close to Francis, stated that reports of mass deportations directed at the Chicago region were “not only profoundly disturbing but also deeply painful for us.” Ta.
In a declaration issued Sunday from the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, Cupich mentioned that governments bear a duty to safeguard their borders and communities.
“However, we are also devoted to upholding the rights of all individuals and maintaining their human dignity,” he affirmed in a statement.
Mr. Francisco, who was raised in Argentina in a family of Italian immigrants, has long emphasized the challenges faced by immigrants, urging governments to embrace, safeguard, and integrate them whenever feasible. He stated that the dignity and rights of immigrants take precedence over concerns regarding national security.
Winfield contributes to The Associated Press.