Donald Trump’s swearing-in as president of the United States (Ansa)
Distant on the conception of society, starting from the presence and integration of migrants, but possible allies on the peace front. The Pope and the new president of the United States Donald Trump they haven’t heard from each other yet but they have already clarified their respective visions of the world. Francis sent a message to the president on the day of his inauguration that was anything but “ritual” in which Francis called him to inclusion: «Inspired by the ideals of the nation, a land of opportunities and welcome for all, I hope that under his guidance may the American people prosper and always commit themselves to building a more just society, in which there is no room for hatred, discrimination or exclusion», we read in the Pontiff’s message.
Sunday during the TV interview with What’s the weather like? the Pope’s words were even stronger when he defined the possible expulsion of irregular immigrants as “a disgrace”, as announced by the tycoon himself. And also theRoman Observera few days ago he had underlined the need to «overcome divisions and polarizations» because «the “disunited” states of America would be a serious danger for an already torn and fragmented world». From the USA it is the Cardinal of Chicago, Blase Cupich, who supports Francis’ words: “We will oppose any plan that includes a mass deportation of US citizens born to undocumented parents”, he said in these hours.
Trump could instead be an ally of the Holy See for the pacification of the many conflicts underway on the planet. Also in Monday’s message, the Pope writes to the president: «While our human family faces numerous challenges, not to mention the scourge of war, I ask God to guide his efforts in promoting peace and reconciliation among peoples.”.
The Pope, who thanked the mediators of the truce between Israel and Hamas, has in fact repeatedly underlined the importance of “honorable compromises” because “war is always a defeat”. Trump, who has said he wants to end the conflicts quickly, could move on this front. The first act seems to be the truce in the Middle East and the local Church also recognizes the decisive contribution of the White Houseand, as said by the Custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, in our interview a few days ago.
A possible meeting between the Pope and Trump is not on the agenda, at least for now (there have been several in the past). But the mutual positions were also expressed through the choice of trusted men in the field. In Washington, the Pope recently appointed an anti-Trump cardinal as archbishop, Robert McElroy, especially with regards to the protection of migrants’ rights. Trump, for his part, announced last December 20th that Brian Burch he would be the new American ambassador to the Holy See. Founder of CatholicVoteBurch is known for his outspoken criticism of the pontificate of Pope Francis.
