Pope Francis has strongly condemned US President Donald Trump’s mass deportation program, calling it a “major crisis” that “damages the dignity of men and women.”
In a letter to US Catholic bishops on Tuesday, the Pope urged Americans not to support policies that discriminate against migrants and refugees.
“I have followed closely the major crisis that is taking place in the United States with the initiation of a program of mass deportations,” Pope Francis wrote.
The 88-year-old pontiff has consistently defended the rights of migrants, urging world leaders to show compassion toward those fleeing poverty, violence, or environmental disasters.
While recognizing a nation’s right to protect itself and maintain security, Pope Francis insisted that mass deportations place migrants in “a state of vulnerability and defenselessness.”
“Deporting people who in many cases have left their own land for reasons of extreme poverty, insecurity, exploitation, persecution, or serious environmental deterioration damages the dignity of many men and women, and of entire
families,” he wrote.
He warned that policies built on force rather than fairness will ultimately “end badly.”
Before Trump’s return to the White House last month, Pope Francis had already warned that the US president’s plan to deport millions of undocumented migrants would be a “calamity.”
Trump has vowed to carry out the largest deportation operation in US history, leading to raids at homes, schools, workplaces, and shopping centers.
Pope Francis praised the efforts of Catholic clergy and humanitarian workers who assist refugees and migrants. He urged people of goodwill to reject discriminatory narratives and promote policies that respect human dignity.
“An authentic rule of law is verified precisely in the dignified treatment that all people deserve, especially the poorest and most marginalized,” he emphasized.
As the US immigration debate intensifies, the Pope’s remarks highlight a growing divide between compassionate policies and strict enforcement measures.
