Pope Francis has publicly condemned President-elect Donald Trump's immigration policies.
The Pope criticized the plan to deport illegal immigrants as a "disgrace" on Italian TV, Breitbart reported.
Pope Francis voiced his concerns during a 49-minute interview on the show "Che Tempo Che Fa," hosted by Fabio Fazio. This discussion took place on a Sunday, anticipating Trump's inauguration the following day. Since their meeting in May 2017, Pope Francis has not had any direct communication with Donald Trump.
The Pope emphasized the need to view migrants as individuals with potential, rather than problems to be handled. He argued that migrants contribute significantly to societies and should be treated with respect and dignity. Pope Francis further called for global cooperation to establish safe and legal routes for migration, highlighting the universal responsibility towards people on the move.
Pope Francis commented on the treatment of migrants, stressing that they are not just issues to manage but human beings with talents and dreams. He pointed out the negative perspective often cast on migration and advocated for a change in perception.
Amid discussions on international migration, the Vatican announced stringent measures for securing its borders. New legal stipulations include heavy fines and prison sentences for those violating its territorial integrity. Specifically, unauthorized entry could lead to fines ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 euros and imprisonment from one to four years.
An Italian-language decree has defined the specifics of these penalties. It states that any violent, threatening, or deceptive actions used to enter Vatican City will result in severe legal consequences. This includes attempts to bypass security and border controls deceitfully.
Pope Francis on Trump’s deportation plan stated, "This is not the way to solve things." He elaborated on how migrants offer valuable skills and aspirations that should be embraced rather than scorned. The Pope fiercely criticized the overshadowing mistrust around migration, calling for an enlightened view that recognizes migrants' empowerment potential.
"I find it greatly disheartening to see that migration is still shrouded in a dark cloud of mistrust, rather than being seen as a source of empowerment," Pope Francis expressed during his interview. He emphasized the need to acknowledge and utilize the inherent dignity and capabilities that migrants bring to their new communities.
The Pope's advocacy extends to legal frameworks, insisting on the development of policies that foster secure and lawful migration channels. His plea is for an international response that reassures safety and respect for all individuals, particularly those forced to migrate.
In conclusion, Pope Francis's critique of President-elect Trump's deportation strategy underlines a significant clash in viewpoints on handling migration issues. His statements during the interview reflect a deep commitment to human rights and dignity for migrants, advocating for respectful and welcoming approaches against the backdrop of rising global movements and security tightening, as seen within the Vatican's borders.
