If US President Donald Trump considers himself "pro-life," he should reconsider his decision to end a program that allows the children of undocumented immigrants to remain in the United States, Pope Francis said.
"The President of the United States presents himself as pro-life and if he is a good pro-lifer, he understands that family is the cradle of life and its unity must be protected," Francis said.
The Pope's comments came during a news conference Sunday aboard the papal plane, as he returned to the Vatican after a five-day trip to Colombia.
The Pope acknowledged that he was not familiar with the specifics of DACA.
"I think this law comes not from parliament but from the executive," the Pope said. "If that is so, I am hopeful that it will be re-thought."
It is pitiable that the Pope would reveal his ignorance of the details of DACA, even as he chooses to criticize and castigate President Trump for his actions relative to the program.
Certainly, the Holy Father has every right to his opinion regarding the morality of open borders (an incorrect opinion I might add), but that opinion should at least be informed regarding the internal governance and authority of a sovereign nation’s laws.
It is clear (even from the remarks of the former President) the DACA was clearly an unconstitutional exercise of executive authority which usurped that of the legislative branch of the American government. Similar executive actions undertaken by the former President were declared to be in violation of the separation of powers and struck down by the Supreme Court and Federal Courts of Appeal in unanimous decisions.
President Trump has acted to correct this abuse of executive governance and placed the issues squarely on the shoulders of Congress. In doing so, he has acted judiciously and wisely.
The Holy Father’s very personal criticism of President Trump is unfair and unwarranted.
The Pope does himself and the Church little service by these impromptu airplane news conferences during which he responds to questions often with little insight or knowledge of the issues.
The Pope does himself and the Church little service by these impromptu airplane news conferences during which he responds to questions often with little insight or knowledge of the issues.
The Secretary of State would do well to suggest that a barrier be placed between the journalists and the Pope on all flights to and from places of Papal visitations.
Dare I say it again. Sometimes (especially when you don’t know what you are talking about), it’s better to be silent rather than make a fool of yourself and lessen the dignity of the office or responsibility you hold. I suggest the same wisdom, respectfully, to the Holy Father in the context of his repeated gaffes during these in flight interviews.
There’s nothing wrong with simply and politely responding, “I don’t have enough information to offer an intelligent response or a comment.”
Such honesty is respectful of persons and the truth....both of which are virtues I wish the Holy Father would publicly manifest and practice.
Yet, for whatever faults are his, I love this Pope and his enthusiasm for the Gospel and his zeal for shepherding God’s People. God bless Pope Francis each and everyday!
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