Pope Francis criticises Trump’s mass deportation plan, seeks compassion for migrants

Pope Francis has frowned at United States President Donald Trump’s deportations of “illegal migrants” from the country.

The pope has been vocal in his advocacy for migrants, urging countries to welcome, protect, and integrate those fleeing conflicts, poverty, and climate disasters — not exceeding the limits of their capacity.

Since coming into power barely a month ago, Trump has initiated a series of immigration-focused executive actions aimed at a significant crackdown on undocumented immigrants.

These measures include changes to migrant repatriations, border control, and policies regarding refugees and asylum seekers, with Trump promising “mass deportations”.

He suggested that he could deport 15 to 20 million people — ten times the number he deported during his first term and more than the estimated population of 11 million irregular migrants in the country.

In a letter to US bishops on Monday, Francis said deporting migrants who are fleeing their countries for genuine reasons will damage their dignity, and place them in a state of vulnerability and defenselessness.

“This does not impede the development of a policy that regulates orderly and legal migration,” he added.

“However, this development cannot come about through the privilege of some and the sacrifice of others.

“What is built on the basis of force, and not on the truth about the equal dignity of every human being, begins badly and will end badly.”

Francis urged the clergy not to give in to narratives that “discriminate against and cause unnecessary suffering” to migrants.