Pope Francis has expressed strong opposition to Donald Trump’s plans to deport undocumented migrants from the United States, describing them as a “disgrace” if implemented. In an interview with an Italian TV program from the Vatican, the Pope stated that such policies would unjustly burden vulnerable individuals, referring to them as “poor wretches who have nothing.”

The Pope emphasized that this approach was not a valid solution to the migration issue. Trump has vowed to initiate the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history soon after taking office.

In a message sent to Trump on Monday, Pope Francis extended “cordial greetings” and urged the incoming president to lead a society that fosters “no room for hatred, discrimination or exclusion,” while promoting “peace and reconciliation among peoples.” The Pope has long been an advocate for the rights of migrants. During a public address in August of the previous year, he condemned efforts to “systematically drive away migrants” as a “grave sin.”

Ahead of the 2016 U.S. election, Pope Francis criticized Trump’s proposed border wall with Mexico, stating that anyone who prioritizes building walls over bridges is not truly Christian. Although the Pope initially questioned Trump’s faith based on these remarks, he later acknowledged that he would give the president the “benefit of the doubt” regarding his statements.

The two leaders met in 2017 during Trump’s visit to Rome. As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approached, Pope Francis refrained from endorsing any candidate, advising voters instead to choose the “lesser evil” according to their conscience.

In the same interview, Pope Francis discussed the broader issue of migration, particularly in Europe. He noted the “cruelty” surrounding the treatment of migrants and reaffirmed that everyone has both the “right to remain home and the right to emigrate.” The Pope also pointed out that some Southern European countries facing significant migration inflows are struggling with declining birth rates and empty villages, making a well-structured migration policy beneficial not only for migrants but also for these nations.

Regarding ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the Pope expressed confusion over the difficulty of achieving peace, lamenting that it seemed as though there was an “international drive towards self-destruction.”

At 88 years old, Pope Francis has led the Catholic Church since 2013, when he succeeded Pope Benedict XVI.