In a notable letter addressed to U.S. bishops, Pope Francis disputes Vice President JD Vance’s theological views while criticizing the Trump administration’s approach to migrants.
Alberto Pizzoli/AFP

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Alberto Pizzoli/AFP

Pope Francis has taken a stand against the Trump Administration’s policy towards migrants, denouncing the president’s promise of mass deportations as “a significant crisis.”

In a strongly worded message to American Catholic bishops, he stressed that Catholics must oppose any policy that equates the illegal status of certain migrants with criminality.

The Pope emphasized that deporting individuals—many of whom are fleeing extreme poverty, exploitation, and persecution—”undermines the dignity of countless men, women, and entire families, placing them in a state of particular vulnerability and defenselessness.”

This letter also appears to respond to comments made by Vice President JD Vance, who stated that individuals should prioritize caring for their family, community, and nation before extending support to others.

In contrast, Francis urged contemplation on love that fosters fraternity inclusive of all people, without exception.

“Christian love is not merely an expanding circle of interests that gradually encompass others,” the Pope wrote.

Francis is the second prominent Catholic leader to publicly challenge Vance, a fellow Catholic.

Following Vance’s allegations that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops was resettling migrants for federal funding, New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan characterized the Vice President’s comments as “scurrilous” and “malicious.”

“Would you like to examine our meticulously conducted audits? Do you believe we profit from caring for immigrants? We’re losing significant amounts… we’re not in this for profit,” Dolan asserted.