Pope Francis has strongly criticized Donald Trump’s plan for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, calling it a “disgrace” that would cause unnecessary suffering and damage the dignity of migrants
The Pope urged countries to welcome, protect and integrate those fleeing conflicts, poverty, and climate disasters.
Trump, has, since coming into power, initiated a series of immigration-focused executive actions aimed at cracking down on undocumented immigrants.
These measures include changes to migrant repatriations, border control, and policies regarding refugees and asylum seekers, with Trump promising “mass deportations”.
In a letter to US bishops on Monday, the Pope said deporting migrants who are fleeing their countries for genuine reasons will damage their dignity, and place them in a state of vulnerability and defenselessness.
“This does not impede the development of a policy that regulates orderly and legal migration.
“However, this development cannot come about through the privilege of some and the sacrifice of others.
“What is built on the basis of force, and not on the truth about the equal dignity of every human being, begins badly and will end badly.”
Francis urged the clergy not to give in to narratives that “discriminate against and cause unnecessary suffering” to migrants.
