In brief
Pope Francis has openly denounced Donald Trump’s plans to deport illegal migrants from the United States, labeling them a "disgrace". Speaking from the Vatican, Francis expressed concern that such a move would unfairly burden the most vulnerable individuals. He stated, “That’s not right. That’s not how you solve problems.” Trump's plans involve initiating the largest mass expulsion of undocumented immigrants in US history soon after his inauguration.
In a message delivered on Monday, the Pope extended "cordial greetings" to Trump, urging him to foster a society characterized by "peace and reconciliation" without hatred or discrimination. The issue of migration has been a significant focus for Francis, who previously described efforts to drive away migrants as a "grave sin". In 2016, the Pope condemned Trump's border wall proposal, suggesting that anyone focused solely on building walls rather than fostering connections is "not Christian." Francis reiterated his stance that all individuals deserve the right to remain in their homes or to emigrate if they choose, highlighting ongoing issues of cruelty faced by migrants in Europe. During the interview, he also spoke on global conflicts, expressing confusion about the difficulty of achieving peace. At 88, Francis has been leading the Catholic Church since 2013, emphasizing his commitment to humanitarian concerns during his papacy.
