In an open letter addressed to U.S. Catholic bishops on Tuesday, Pope Francis expressed his strong disapproval of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation, labelling the situation as a “major crisis” for the United States.
The leader of the Catholic Church, which encompasses approximately 1.4 billion members globally, highlighted the moral implications of the ongoing crackdown on irregular immigration.
While acknowledging the right of nations to safeguard their citizens from individuals who may have committed crimes, the pope emphatically stated that the deportation of individuals fleeing dire circumstances—such as extreme poverty, violence, persecution, or environmental devastation—constitutes a violation of their inherent dignity. He stated that these individuals are often escaping situations beyond their control and should not be treated as criminals.
Pope Francis urged that a well-formed conscience must critically evaluate and oppose any policies that conflate the illegal status of migrants with criminality. This call for reflection highlights the need for compassion and understanding in addressing immigration issues, rather than succumbing to fear-based narratives.
In his letter, the pontiff reached out to all members of the Catholic Church and individuals of goodwill, urging them to resist harmful narratives that lead to discrimination and unnecessary suffering. His message reinforces the church’s commitment to advocating for the rights and dignity of migrants, calling for empathy and action from the faithful.
This is not the first time Pope Francis has publicly criticised Trump’s deportation plans; he previously described them as a “disgrace” during a television interview, reiterating his stance on the need for compassionate treatment of migrants and refugees.
The full letter can be read here.
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