The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued an unprecedented ‘special message’ in which it condemned the deportation policy and stigmatization of immigrants of President Donald Trump’s administration, although without mentioning his name.
“We are deeply concerned to observe among our people a climate of fear and anxiety regarding racial discrimination and the application of immigration laws,” says the declaration, approved almost unanimously at the annual conference of bishops held this week in Baltimore (Maryland).
Although the American president or members of his Cabinet are not named by the American episcopate, the special message is a criticism of the anti-immigrant rhetoric of the White House, which worries the Vatican.
“We are saddened by the state of the current debate and the stigmatization of immigrants. We are concerned about the conditions in detention centers and the lack of access to pastoral care. We regret that some immigrants in the United States have arbitrarily lost their legal status,” the bishops warn.
This is the first time in 12 years that the USCCB has resorted to making a special declaration, which, according to the regulations, can only be issued at plenary meetings and must be approved by two-thirds of its members.
The message was approved by almost all those attending the conference (216 votes in favor). 5 bishops voted against and 3 abstained.
The last time the US bishops had issued a special message was in 2013, in response to the federal mandate on contraceptives.
The bishops also said they were concerned about “threats” of possible immigration raids on places of worship, hospitals and schools.
“It pains us to see parents who fear being detained when taking their children to school and comforting family members who have already been separated from their loved ones,” they said.
The USCCB also stressed “the enormous contribution” of immigrants to the “well-being” of the United States and advocated establishing safe and legal pathways for foreigners seeking a better life.
The statement comes a week after Pope Leo XIV criticized the Trump Administration for its immigration policy and warned that there are immigrants who have lived for years in the United States without causing problems, but now “have been deeply affected” by Trump’s heavy-handed policy.
Leo XIV is the first American to become the highest leader of the Catholic Church. He also has Peruvian nationality after living and preaching for several years in Peru.
The message also represents a call to attention to the US Vice President, JD Vance, converted to the Catholic faith.
“We oppose mass and indiscriminate deportation. We pray for an end to dehumanizing discourse and violence, whether against immigrants or against law enforcement,” stated the conference, which advocated establishing a dialogue and the approval of significant immigration reform.
