Pope Francis has clearly expressed his views on the immigrant deportation strategies proposed by President-elect Donald Trump, labeling them a “disgrace” during a Sunday interview.
In his appearance on the Italian television program Che Tempo Che Fa, Francis was questioned about Trump’s forthcoming intentions to carry out mass expulsions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
“If this is indeed the case, it would be a disgrace,” Francis remarked. “It places the burden on the destitute, who are already struggling. This approach is unacceptable. It’s not the solution.”
Throughout his nearly 12-year papacy, Francis has consistently shown his support for migrants, promoting their integration and denouncing attempts to “repel migrants” as a “serious sin” in an August 2024 weekly address.
Trump is anticipated to issue a series of executive orders concerning immigration and border control in the early days of his presidency, thus fulfilling his campaign commitment to initiate “the largest deportation program in American history.”
“On my first day, I will commence the largest deportation initiative in our nation’s history to remove criminals,” Trump proclaimed during a rally at Madison Square Garden in October. “I will restore every city and community that has faced invasion and conquest, and we will swiftly imprison these ruthless and bloodthirsty offenders, then expel them from our country without delay.”
The president-elect also promised to declare a national emergency regarding the U.S.-Mexico border, enabling him to deploy military resources and secure extra funding for deportation operations from the Pentagon.
Speaking to the conservative outlet RSBN on Sunday, prior to Trump’s inauguration, “border czar” Tom Homan stated, “ICE Officers nationwide are about to be freed from restrictions. They have been limited for the past four years. They will perform their duties. Our primary focus will be the worst offenders first.”
When the network proposed that the border policy was “not targeting anyone,” Homan responded, “We’re focused on preserving lives.”
