Pope Francis sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's deportation policy on Tuesday, calling it a “major crisis” that “damages the dignity of men and women.”
In a letter addressed to U.S. bishops, the Pope urged Catholics and others not to yield to harmful narratives that discriminate against migrants and refugees, causing them unnecessary suffering.
At 88, the Argentine pontiff has long advocated for the rights of migrants, urging global leaders to offer compassion and support to those fleeing poverty and violence.
“I have closely followed the major crisis unfolding in the United States with the launch of mass deportation programs,” he wrote.
While acknowledging a nation’s right to protect itself and ensure the safety of its communities, particularly from violent offenders, the Pope stressed that deporting individuals who fled dire situations like extreme poverty, insecurity, exploitation, persecution, or environmental degradation diminishes their dignity and harms families.
“Deportation places people in a position of extreme vulnerability and defenselessness,” he stated.
In a warning rump’s return to the White House last month, the Pope described the proposed mass deportations as a “calamity.”
He emphasized, “This is no small matter — the true measure of the rule of law lies in the dignified treatment of all people, especially the poor and marginalized.”
The Pope made clear that while orderly and legal immigration policies are necessary, such policies should not come at the expense of the vulnerable.
“What is built on force, and not on the truth of the equal dignity of every human being, begins poorly and will end poorly,” he wrote.
Pope Francis also praised the efforts of Catholic clergy working with refugees and migrants.
“I urge all faithful Catholics, and all people of goodwill, not to give in to narratives that discriminate against and cause unnecessary suffering to our migrant and refugee brothers and sisters,” he concluded.
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rump’s return to the White House last month, the Pope described the proposed mass deportations as a “calamity.”
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