Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, will be remembered not only as the first Latin American pontiff, but also as a prophetic voice who directly challenged President Donald Trump's immigration policies.
Until his final days, Pope Francis remained unwavering in his defense of migrants' dignity, condemning mass deportations and rhetoric that painted those seeking a better life as criminals.
An Uncomfortable Pontiff for the White House
The relationship between Pope Francis and President Trump was fraught with tension from the start. In 2016, Francis criticized Trump's proposal to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, saying, "A person who thinks only about building walls, and not building bridges, is not a Christian." Trump fired back, questioning the Pope's right to judge his faith.
During Trump's second term, which began in January 2025, the rift deepened. Francis called mass deportations "a disgrace," arguing that "it makes the unfortunate poor, who have nothing, pay the price" for the country's deeper social and economic problems.
A Forceful Letter to U.S. Bishops
In February 2025, Francis sent a pointed letter to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, urging them to stand up for migrants. "Jesus was a migrant who had to flee with his family into Egypt," he reminded them, warning against equating undocumented immigrants with criminals. He also cautioned that immigration policies rooted in force rather than human dignity "will end badly."
Francis condemned the use of theology to justify anti-immigrant policies, referencing comments made by Vice President J.D. Vance, who had defended Trump's immigration stance. The Pope insisted that Christianity calls on believers to protect and integrate migrants, not expel them.
A Final Act of Compassion
Just days before his death, Francis briefly received Vice President Vance at the Vatican. While the meeting was formal, the Pope used the opportunity to reaffirm his lifelong commitment to migrants. He gifted Vance a Vatican-embroidered tie and three Kinder eggs for his children—a simple, heartfelt gesture that reflected Francis's pastoral style: firm in conviction, but grounded in humanity.
A Legacy Without Borders
Francis will be remembered as a spiritual leader unafraid to confront political power in defense of society's most vulnerable. His outspoken criticism of Trump's immigration policies left an enduring mark on global conscience, serving as a powerful reminder that compassion and justice must guide public policy.
In a world increasingly divided and hostile toward immigrants, Francis's voice stood as a call to empathy and respect for human dignity. His legacy continues to inspire those who envision a more just and inclusive future.
