Pope Francis wrote a letter to U. S. bishops expressing his strong dissent with the mass deportation programs from the Trump administration and urging Catholics to reject discriminatory narratives against migrants. The letter, published by the Vatican, reflects on the current challenges faced by the church and society as they deal with migration, referencing Jesus Christ’s own experience as an immigrant.
He emphasizes that all humans deserve dignity and rights, urging Christians to judge laws and policies based on this principle. Pope Francis has been closely observing the crisis from mass deportations and believes that linking illegal immigration to crime is morally wrong. While acknowledging a nation’s right to protect itself, he stresses that deporting individuals fleeing hardships undermines their dignity and increases their vulnerability.
He asserts that the true common good is only achieved when society welcomes and integrates the most vulnerable individuals. While he supports orderly migration policies, he warns against building such systems on inequality. He highlights the danger of prioritizing identity over human dignity, which can distort social values.
At the end of the letter, he praises the efforts of bishops working with migrants and encourages all Catholics to stand against discrimination. He also calls for the Virgin of Guadalupe’s intercession for families affected by migration and advocates for creating connections instead of barriers. Pope Francis asked to “take a step forward in the construction of a society that is more fraternal, inclusive and respectful of the dignity of all.”