Pope Francis has ignited controversy by strongly condemning the treatment of migrants, declaring that those who reject immigrants are committing a “grave” sin.
In his weekly audience at St. Peter’s Square, the Pope addressed the plight of migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. He urged people to consider those who traverse treacherous oceans and deserts, leaving their homeland in search of peace and safety.
The Pope described the Mediterranean Sea as a “cemetery” where many migrants have tragically lost their lives, despite these deaths being “preventable.”
“Those who systematically and by all means reject migrants commit a grave sin when done with awareness and responsibility,” Pope Francis stated. He argued that refugees should not be forced to cross dangerous seas and deserts, asserting that this issue cannot be resolved through stricter regulations and border militarization. “Instead, it will be achieved by creating safe and legal pathways for migrants and providing refuge to those fleeing war, violence, persecution, and various calamities,” he added.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump’s supporters have expressed outrage at the Pope’s comments. Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, has centered his campaign on immigration, frequently attributing the rise in crime in the United States to immigrants, despite studies showing no link between immigration and violent crime. He has also promised to undertake the largest deportation effort in U.S. history if he wins the presidential election in November.
Trump’s supporters quickly took to social media to criticize the Pope’s statements, with one accusing him of “appeasing globalists.” An X user commented, “Pope Francis says we should ‘welcome immigrants with open arms,’” questioning, “Who thinks the Vatican is too focused on appeasing globalists to be a force for good when needed most?”
Critics of the Pope also pointed out that he leads the Vatican, a city-state surrounded by walls. “The Vatican is entirely protected by defensive walls and armed guards. Be welcoming! Let them all in!” one user retorted, while another added, “Our Pope apparently doesn’t understand the difference between knocking on the door asking for help and breaking into someone’s home demanding provisions.”
Conversely, supporters of Pope Francis defended his remarks, with one user clarifying that he was not opposing immigration restrictions but rather criticizing the harsh or disdainful treatment of migrants.
Pope Francis has faced criticism from conservative Catholics in the United States, who view him as overly progressive. Throughout his papacy, he has focused on social justice issues and marginalized groups, particularly the poor. He has also sought to make the Church more inclusive for LGBTQ+ Catholics.
During the discussion, the Pope also criticized Texas’ attempts to ban a Catholic charity providing humanitarian assistance to undocumented migrants.
