Pope Francis Denounces Trump’s Immigration Policy, Citing Dignity and Inclusivity
Washington, D.C. – Pope Francis has strongly condemned the deportation policies of the new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump. In a letter to the U.S. Bishops, the head of the Catholic Church asserted that "true justice is present in the way we treat the most vulnerable in our midst, especially migrants."
The Pope criticized measures that equated the undocumented status of migrants with criminality. He argued that, except in cases of violent and serious crimes, deportations violated the dignity of individuals, families, and entire communities.
"What is not based on truth about the equal dignity of every human being, beginning with the most vulnerable, will end up as a caricature of justice and a source of division," the Pope wrote. He emphasized that the common good is promoted when societies and governments "welcome, protect, promote, and integrate" those who are most in need.
This does not preclude the development of policies that regulate orderly and legal migration, the Pontiff clarified. However, he cautioned that such policies cannot be achieved "by privileging the few over the rights and dignity of others."
Challenging the ‘Ordo Amoris’ Argument
Pope Francis also responded to a claim by Vice President J.D. Vance, who invoked the "order of charity" (ordo amoris) of Thomas Aquinas to justify the administration’s hardline stance. Vance argued that love extends from one’s family, neighbors, and community to one’s countrymen, and only then to the rest of the world.
The Pope countered that the true "ordo amoris" to be promoted is found in the parable of the Good Samaritan. This passage from the Gospel of Luke, he said, exemplifies a fraternity "open to all, without exception."
Supportive U.S. Bishops
Pope Francis expressed his gratitude to the U.S. Bishops for their commitment to migrants. The Bishops, in turn, released a statement expressing their "gratitude for the support, the moral encouragement, and the prayers of our Holy Father."
A spokesperson for the Bishops’ Conference confirmed that the Church is already feeling the impact of the administration’s immigration policies. The Conference’s Migration and Refugees Services department has been forced to lay off a third of its staff due to the loss of federal funding for refugee resettlement programs.
Catholics and Immigration
With approximately 52 million adult members, Catholics constitute the largest religious denomination in the U.S. While a significant majority of Catholics voted for Trump in November, support for mass deportations remains high within the faith community.
Religious Groups Sue to Protect Places of Worship
Over 20 religious organizations have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Christian and Jewish groups are challenging the Trump administration’s move to allow the arrest of undocumented individuals in churches, synagogues, and other religious institutions.
Previously, these sensitive locations were considered off-limits for enforcement actions, except in extreme circumstances. The plaintiffs argue that the threatened ICE actions in "places of worship" violate the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom. The practice of welcoming the stranger is a core tenet of their faith, they assert.
Among the organizations suing in federal district court in Washington are Mennonite Church USA, the Quakers, the Episcopal Church, and the Union for Reform Judaism.
Trump’s Deportation Drive
President Trump has pledged to carry out "the largest deportation force ever." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday that 11,000 individuals have been apprehended since Trump took office on January 20th. NBC and other media outlets have reported that Trump is dissatisfied with this number.
