Pope Francis expressed strong disapproval on Sunday regarding the immigration policies proposed by US President-elect Donald Trump, labeling them a “disgrace.”
Trump has indicated intentions to deport all individuals residing in the United States without legal status and has proposed the termination of birthright citizenship. Additionally, he has previously advocated for the deployment of military forces at the border to address illegal immigration.
In an interview with Italian television, Francis remarked that it would be a “disgrace” if Trump proceeded with these plans, as reported by Reuters.
In a notably pointed criticism, Francis stated, “It would make the migrants, who have nothing, pay the unpaid bill. It doesn’t work. You don’t resolve problems this way.”
Since his papacy began in 2013, Francis has consistently championed the rights of migrants and has frequently criticized Trump’s far-right policies. His stance has drawn the ire of extremists, who have labeled him as part of the ‘woke’ movement. In 2016, he remarked that Trump was “not Christian” in his perspective.
Officials from the incoming Trump administration announced on Saturday that the president-elect was reconsidering plans for immigration raids in Chicago scheduled for the following week, in light of recent reports.
Concerns regarding Trump’s immigration strategies have emerged within the Catholic Church. On Sunday, Cardinal Blase Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago, also condemned the proposed raids on immigrants, stating, “This would be an affront to the dignity of all people and communities.”
