ROME (AP) — Pope Francis says Donald Trump’s plans to impose mass deportations of immigrants would be a “disgrace”, as he spoke about the promises of the new American president almost a decade after having described them as a “disgrace”. “not Christian” for wanting to build a wall along the US-Mexico border.
Francis made the comments during an appearance on an evening talk show, then followed up Monday with an official telegram of congratulations to Trump on his inauguration day. Francis said he prays that America will live up to his ideal of being a “land of opportunity and welcome for all.”
“I hope that under your leadership, the American people will prosper and always strive to build a more just society, where there is no place for hatred, discrimination or exclusion,” he said. he wrote in the telegram.
The first Latin American pope in history was asked Sunday night about the Trump administration’s expulsion promises during an appearance on popular Italian talk show, Che Tempo Che Fa.
“If it is true, it will be a shame, because it puts the bill for the problem on the poor, miserable people who have nothing,” Francis said. “That won’t be enough! This is not how we will solve the problems. This is not how things are resolved.
Trump, who is sworn in on Monday, made mass deportations a signature issue of his campaign and promised a series of first-day orders to remake immigration policy.
During his first presidential campaign, in 2016, Francis was asked about Trump’s plans to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Speaking after celebrating Mass along the border, Francis said anyone who builds a wall to keep migrants out is “not Christian.”
Many US bishops have strongly opposed Trump’s expulsion plan, with the new Archbishop of Washington DC, Cardinal Robert McElroy, saying such policies were “incompatible with Catholic doctrine. » This was a reference to the biblical call to “welcome the stranger.”
Another cardinal close to Francis, Chicago Cardinal Blasé Cupich, said reports of mass deportations targeting the Chicago area “are not only deeply disturbing, but also hurt us deeply. »
In a statement Sunday from the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, Cupich said governments have a responsibility to protect borders and communities.
“But we are also committed to defending the rights of all and protecting their human dignity,” according to the text of his declaration.
Francis, who grew up in Argentina in a family of Italian immigrants, has long given priority to the fate of migrants and called on governments to welcome, protect and integrate them, within their means. He said the dignity and rights of migrants outweigh any national security concerns.
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