In brief
In a recent interview, Pope Francis expressed his discontent with Donald Trump's plans to deport illegal migrants from the United States, describing them as a "disgrace" and advocating for a more compassionate approach to migration.
In an Italian television interview from the Vatican, Pope Francis stated that if Donald Trump goes ahead with his plans to initiate the largest expulsion of undocumented immigrants in US history, it would unjustly burden those who are already suffering. He asserted, "That's not right. That's not how you solve problems," highlighting the human cost of such actions.The Pope extended “cordial greetings” to Trump and urged him to foster a society that embraces "no room for hatred, discrimination or exclusion." He called for peace and reconciliation among people, reiterating his long-held views on the importance of treating migrants with dignity. In previous statements, Francis has categorized the systemic efforts to drive away migrants as a "grave sin."Notably, back in 2016, before Trump's initial election, the Pope critiqued Trump’s desire to build a wall between the US and Mexico, stating, "A person who thinks only about building walls... is not Christian." Francis emphasized the imperative to build bridges rather than walls in discussing immigration and humanitarian responsibility.During the Sunday evening dialogue, the Pope emphasized the moral complexities surrounding migration, urging that every individual holds the right to remain home or to seek a new life elsewhere. He argued that countries in southern Europe, which are facing declining birth rates, could benefit from a well-planned migration policy, as they grapple with empty villages and labor shortages.As political conversations heat up ahead of the 2024 US presidential elections, the Pope refrained from endorsing Trump or his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, instead encouraging voters to choose "the lesser evil" based on their moral compass.Moreover, Pope Francis commented on global conflicts, expressing confusion as to why achieving peace remains elusive, suggesting a disturbing trend towards self-destruction in international relations.At 88 years old, Pope Francis continues to advocate for peace and empathy, reflecting on current issues since his election in 2013.
