Pope Francis has strongly condemned former President Donald Trump’s proposal to deport illegal migrants, calling it a “disgrace” and asserting that it would exacerbate the suffering of vulnerable people. In an interview aired on Italian television, the Pope expressed his concern that such a move would unfairly burden those already destitute, describing it as a harmful approach to solving the complex issue of immigration.
Pope Francis, known for his advocacy on behalf of marginalized groups, particularly migrants, said that deporting people who had nothing would make them bear an unjust burden. “That’s not right. That’s not how you solve problems,” he emphasized. His remarks were a direct response to Trump’s promise to initiate the largest mass deportation of undocumented immigrants in U.S. history, a plan he has vowed to implement if re-elected.
In his message to Trump, the Pope extended “cordial greetings” and urged the former president to lead with values of “peace and reconciliation among peoples” and foster a society that “leaves no room for hatred, discrimination, or exclusion.” This diplomatic tone underscored the Pope’s broader message that political leaders should adopt policies that prioritize human dignity and respect for all people.
The Pope has consistently spoken out on immigration, viewing it as an issue of profound moral significance. Last year, he condemned the systematic efforts to drive migrants away, calling such practices “a grave sin.” He has also been vocal about the divisive nature of Trump’s rhetoric on migration, famously criticizing the former president in 2016 for his proposed border wall with Mexico, stating, “A person who thinks only about building walls… and not of building bridges, is not Christian.”
The Pope’s comments came in the wake of a broader discussion on global migration. He noted the cruelty migrants face and emphasized that everyone has both the right to remain at home and the right to emigrate. The Pope also pointed out that southern European nations, which face large migrant influxes, often have declining birth rates and aging populations, highlighting how well-managed immigration policies could benefit countries like Italy and Spain.
In the same interview, Francis also expressed frustration with the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, questioning why achieving peace seemed so difficult, describing global tensions as part of an international drive toward self-destruction.
At 88 years old, Pope Francis continues to speak out on issues of justice, peace, and human rights, maintaining his commitment to a vision of a world that embraces compassion over division
