Church stands against Trump’s ‘disturbing’ deportation plans on inauguration day

Pope Francis called the planned deportations a “disgrace” in a television interview broadcast on the even of the inauguration.

In the days before Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration, US Catholic leaders reaffirmed their commitment to defend migrants even as the administration threatened mass deportations.

During his inaugural address on Monday, Trump renewed his promise to deport “millions and millions” of migrants, even while aides admitted the planned measures were proving more complicated, legally and logistically, than they anticipated.

Trump also pledged to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy that denies migrants the right to apply for asylum at border crossings, as US law permits.

“While we wish the new administration success in promoting the common good, the reports being circulated of planned mass deportations targeting the Chicago area are not only profoundly disturbing but also wound us deeply,” said Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago during a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, the day before Trump’s inauguration.

Cupich said he would oppose efforts to enter places of worship to arrest migrants. “People of faith are called to speak for the rights of others and to remind society of its obligation to care for those in need,” he said. “If the indiscriminate mass deportation being reported were to be carried out, this would be an affront to the dignity of all people and communities, and deny the legacy of what it means to be an American.”

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Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark and Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso spoke at a gathering of interfaith leaders with immigrant families in Newark on 15 January. “We’re deeply concerned about the potential impact of mass deportation on children and families,” Tobin said. “Within the Catholic tradition and other faith expressions represented here today, we’re able to see the humanity in everyone.”

Pope Francis called the planned deportations a “disgrace” in a television interview broadcast on the eve of the inauguration. “If it is true, it will be a disgrace, because it makes the poor wretches who have nothing pay the bill for the inequalities,” he said.

In an official message to Trump, the Pope prayed he would receive God’s guidance “in promoting peace and reconciliation among peoples” and “wisdom, strength, and protection”.

“Inspired by your nation’s ideals of being a land of opportunity and welcome for all, it is my hope that under your leadership the American people will prosper and always strive to build a more just society, where there is no room for hatred, discrimination or exclusion,” the message said.

At the inauguration ceremony, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York gave the invocation alongside the Evangelical missionary Franklin Graham, but did not mention migration.

On the same day, Pope Francis named Bishop Joseph Vasquez of Austin, Texas as the next Archbishop of Galveston-Houston. Vasquez, who previously served as chair of the US bishops’ committee on migration, was expected to be a more forceful advocate for migrants than he predecessor Cardinal Daniel DiNardo.

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