The Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis, has strongly criticized the plans of President Donald Trump to deport illegal immigrants from the United States, describing the proposal as a “disgrace.”
In a statement given during an interview with an Italian television program, Pope Francis openly expressed his disapproval, stating that the President's actions would unfairly place the burden on vulnerable individuals who already lack basic resources. He noted, “Trump’s plans would make poor wretches that don’t have anything foot the bill.”
The Pope further emphasized that the approach of deporting immigrants is not a just or effective solution to address societal issues. “The plans of the President of the US are not the best. That’s not right. That’s not how you solve problems,” he stated. He urged leaders to consider compassionate and humane alternatives that respect the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
In a separate message sent to President Trump on Monday, Pope Francis extended “cordial greetings” and called on him to foster a society characterized by unity and inclusion. He urged the US President to reject “hatred, discrimination, or exclusion” and to work towards promoting “peace and reconciliation among peoples.”
The statement by Pope Francis has sparked widespread discussions, with many applauding his stance on the issue and calling for more empathetic policies regarding immigration. As the debate continues, the Pope’s remarks have highlighted the ongoing need for compassionate global leadership in addressing complex challenges.