Presidential candidate Donald Trump assailed Pope Francis in an interview, calling the pontiff „a very political person” and accused him of being drawn in by the Mexican government to support immigrants.
He also added that he believes that Mexico wanted Francis to appear at the border in order to stop the United States from taking tough action against immigration.
„I think he doesn’t understand the problems our country has. I don’t think he understands the danger of the open border that we have with Mexico.” Donald Trump added
Trump also believes that the Mexican government forced him to take a stand on immigration.
“I think Mexico got him to do it because Mexico wants to keep the border just the way it is because they’re making a fortune and we’re losing,” Trump said
This is not the first time Trump has criticized the Pope. When Pope Francis visited the United States last summer, Trump said that if the pontiff ever spoke with him about the dangers of capitalism, he would reply by saying: “ISIS wants to get you. ISIS wants to invade the Vatican.” While still claiming that the Mexican government sends “rapists” to the United States on purpose, Trump’s strong appeal to evangelical voters continues.
While Trump opposes allowing the Syrian refugees to enter the United States, last year the pontiff called on every Catholic parish in Europe to take in a Syrian family. Moreover, he said that churches that refuse should be required to pay property taxes because he does not see them as genuinely religious.
Pope Francis, who is from Argentina, has previously condemned anti-immigrant hatred, surprised 2000 immigrants with Christmas presents in 2013 and his first visit outside of the Vatican as pope was to a Mediterranean island named Lampedusa, which harbors Norh African migrants traveling to Europe. Moreover, he sent a personal letter to a group of teens volunteering to help immigrants in the United States to thank them for their work.
Judging by the facts, it seems as if there could be some truth behind Trump’s beliefs as Pope Francis’ actions strongly suggest that he supports any kind of immigrants.
What do you think are Pope Francis’ intentions? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.