Pope vs. Trump: 'Not Christian' to only build border walls

AP ^ | 18 Feb 2016 | NICOLE WINFIELD and JULIE PACE

[mandaladon]

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP) -- Thrusting himself into the heated American presidential campaign, Pope Francis declared Thursday that Donald Trump is "not Christian" if he wants to address illegal immigration only by building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Trump fired back ferociously, saying it was "disgraceful" for a religious leader to question a person's faith

The rare back-and-forth between pontiff and presidential candidate was the latest astonishing development in an American election already roiled by Trump's free-wheeling rhetoric and controversial policy proposals, particularly on immigration. It also underscored the popular pope's willingness to needle U.S. politicians on hot-button issues.

Francis' comments came hours after he concluded a visit to Mexico, where he prayed at the border for people who died trying to reach the U.S. While speaking to reporters on the papal plane, he was asked what he thought of Trump's campaign pledge to build a wall along the entire length of the border and expel millions of people in the U.S. illegally.

"A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian," he said. While Francis said he would "give the benefit of the doubt" because he had not heard Trump's border plans independently, he added, "I say only that this man is not a Christian if he has said things like that."

[C. Edmund Wright]

oh grow up......it’s not appropriate for anyone else to jump in on this. Besides, DT can handle this.

[C. Edmund Wright]

no, the Pope knows none of that. He’s an idiot on American politics.

[C. Edmund Wright]

that babbling of yours makes zero sense....none whatsoever.....an epic failure...

[Paul R.]

This is all media spin. Trump was misquoted by the press in a question to the Pope. The Pope made a hypothetical statement that was conditional on if what he was told was correct, and the media ran with it.

Now Trump is fighting the Pope and all because of the media.

It's amazing. Trump uses the media to his advantage without even having to use them to his advantage.

[Paul R.]

I wish Trump, or someone, would ask the Pope if he’s ever condemned any of the Marxist Socialist Commie leaders he visits?

Good point.

[Ulysse]

That papal statement makes no sense .
A WALL on a border is allright and BRIDGES over rivers are fine !

Those 2 things have different use .... Mr Obvious

[Engedi]

Someone should send this to Trump. Also he should tell the Pope, you tear down your wall at the Vatican, then we’ll talk. Yeah, exactly, like that will never happen.

[grey_whiskers]

+1.

Note they constructed the wall with tools in one hand and a weapon in the other.

The parallels are striking.

Oh, and btw...

[crz]

My best friend is also. And he and his family are ashamed.

He stood up for our wedding, I am presbyterian. Asked him if he would stand up and if he had a problem with that. Didnt, so the minister explained to us what the ceremony would be and my friend said. “Thats it?”
When asked while I am there if I would like to go to mass with him I do. Dont understand all the mumbo jumbo though. LOL.

[OwenKellogg]

Love the hat!

[Roman_War_Criminal]

This Pope isn’t Christian

[grey_whiskers]

(blush)

[timestax]

[OwenKellogg]

">

[SaraJohnson]

I’m a Christian. I want border walls and tight immigration policy. Because suicide is a sin.

[Patton@Bastogne]

.


How about 60 seconds of that "good 'ol fireside political chat" that we USED to have at Free Republic ?



Today's event ... The Pope vs. Donald Trump regarding "The Mexico Wall"

(from a historical perspective)

may indeed be as MOMENTUS as the Confederate General who lost General Lee's Gettysburg battle plans and the plans were captured by the Union Army.

... or perhaps the U.S. Navy's "miraculous" victory at Midway in 1942.



1) I'm a staunch Ted Cruz Florida campaigner, but also admire Trump's courageous stands on The Wall, Islamic Visas, etc.


2) The Pope has just given The Donald his Christmas present on steroids.


3) South Carolina PROTESTANT evangelicals (I know them because I attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina) basically are not "into" The Pope, although most remain respectful.

Many SC "undecided voters" between Ted Cruz and Trump may indeed vote with Donald Trump EXCLUSIVELY to flip-off The Pope.


4) Ted Cruz is WISE (and NOT a coward) to refrain from comments regarding this fight between Donald Trump and The Pope.

Ted Cruz's comments (as valid as they would be) would be twisted a billion ways from Sunday.


5) For me, perhaps the most BRILLIANT ASPECT of this "nuclear event" has been the Black Sisters (Diamond and Silk).



Hillary and Bernie must be cleaning out their panties right now.

You MUST watch that video. It's on this thread.

Rarely have I ever seen ANYONE, Black or White, express the genuine pissed-off Passion about how illegal immigration is DESTROYING America.

Diamond and Silk NAILED this one.

Should Donald Trump win the 2016 GOP Presidential nomination (and I want Ted Cruz to) ...

Diamond and Silk "talking points" should be included in about 200 TV and Radio and Billboard commercials.



Folks ... we are CLEARLY watching the DEATH of the Old Fashioned Republican Party this election season.

Life is Great !!!!



.

[anymouse]

[CodeToad]

Perfect!

[RingerSIX]

Worst Pope in my lifetime.

[Daffynition]

Did DJT announce that he would *sue* the pope?