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[Catholic Caucus] Bishop Strickland: Pope Francis’ attacks on Trump are ‘confusing and frustrating to faithful Catholics’
LifeSite News ^ | February 13, 2025 | Bishop Joseph E. Strickland

Posted on 02/13/2025 2:36:26 PM PST by ebb tide

[Catholic Caucus] Bishop Strickland: Pope Francis’ attacks on Trump are ‘confusing and frustrating to faithful Catholics’

'Pope Francis’s reluctance to address grave moral issues raises legitimate concerns about whether financial and political interests outweigh doctrinal fidelity on the part of the Vatican,' writes Bishop Strickland.

On February 10, 2025, Pope Francis wrote a letter to the bishops of the United States expressing strong criticism of the Trump administration’s deportation policies and directly challenging Vice President J.D. Vance’s theological justification for these actions. However, Pope Francis remained relatively silent during the last administration to President Biden’s clear and repeated advocacy for abortion, gender ideology and other policies that directly and egregiously contradict Catholic teaching. 

Catholic doctrine upholds the dignity of every human being, including migrants, but it also unequivocally opposes abortion and the redefinition of marriage and gender. When Pope Francis chooses to intervene forcefully on matters of prudential judgment (such as immigration enforcement), but he fails to take a firm stance against a leader who openly promoted grave moral evils contrary to natural and divine law (such as President Biden’s abortion policies), it demonstrates what appears to be a selective and politically motivated concern rather than being doctrinally consistent. 

Furthermore, the Catholic Church recognizes the legitimacy of sovereign nations enforcing just immigration laws. While the Church calls for humane treatment of migrants, it does not demand open borders or the abolition of deportation policies. For the Pope to strongly rebuke a policy that falls within the bounds of Catholic social teaching while remaining largely silent on a politician who openly promoted intrinsic moral evils is greatly disturbing. 

There has long been a concern about the Church’s financial ties — particularly with globalist organizations — as well as concern about government funding and wealthy donors who have a vested interest in certain political outcomes. Especially in the case of immigration, there is a large financial element at play. The Catholic Church in the United States receives significant government funding to assist migrants and refugees through Catholic Charities and other organizations. Stronger immigration enforcement means less funding for these programs which is undoubtedly a large factor in the Vatican’s stance.  

On the other hand, abortion and gender ideology do not offer the same direct financial incentives for the Church to oppose them aggressively. While Catholic doctrine condemns these practices unequivocally, to speak out about them risks alienating powerful political allies and financial supporters. This would seem to explain why Pope Francis remained relatively quiet on President Biden’s policies while vocally opposing President Trump and Vice President Vance on immigration issues and policy. Pope Francis’s reluctance to address grave moral issues raises legitimate concerns about whether financial and political interests outweigh doctrinal fidelity on the part of the Vatican. 

RELATED: Pope Francis slates ‘major crisis’ of Trump’s border policies, rebuffs JD Vance

There has also been much outcry on the part of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) who are deeply involved in refugee advocacy. This, however, must be understood in the context of the Jesuit order’s historical and political tendencies – especially their connection to liberation theology and their role in political movements around the world. 

Liberation theology gained prominence in the 20th century, particularly in Latin America. Many Jesuits have historically aligned themselves with this movement, often advocating for radical social change and even supporting leftist revolutionaries. This has sometimes led to their direct involvement in political uprisings, particularly in Latin American countries where they have backed socialist movements and criticized conservative governments.  

In El Salvador, during the civil war, Jesuits were deeply involved in leftist revolutionary movements. In Nicaragua, Jesuits openly supported the Sandinista regime, a socialist government that suppressed opposition, including Catholic leaders who opposed their policies. In Venezuela, Jesuits have been vocal critics of conservative leaders while showing leniency toward socialist governments. 

The Jesuit Refugee Service, being part of this larger ideological framework, naturally opposed immigration restrictions, particularly those imposed by nationalist or conservative governments. Their concern is not just about humanitarian aid – it is about their long-term political and ideological vision, which includes reshaping global power structures in favor of their version of “social justice.”

By keeping immigration channels open, the Jesuits increase their influence over displaced populations, often using their networks to promote their political and theological agenda. This is why they strongly oppose President Trump’s policies but do not apply the same level of scrutiny to leftist leaders who cause the very refugee crises they claim to care about. 

The Jesuits’ opposition to President Trump’s policies is not likely primarily about helping refugees – it is much more likely that it is part of their broader historical pattern of political activism. Their history of supporting revolutionary movements, undermining conservative governments and aligning with globalist causes makes their outrage over President Trump’s immigration policies undoubtedly mostly about power and ideological control. 

Francis has repeatedly aligned himself with globalist elites, including the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, who push for mass migration, climate policies that harm the working class and economic controls that weaken national sovereignty. His stance on immigration aligns with these globalist objectives. This stance by Pope Francis represents a betrayal of the Church’s independence and its traditional role as a moral guide rather than a political enforcer of leftist policies. 

As I discussed earlier, the Jesuits have historically sought to destabilize conservative governments and promote socialist policies under the guise of Catholic social teaching. Francis himself, as the first Jesuit Pope, has shown sympathy toward this ideology. His opposition to President Trump’s immigration policies is part of a broader effort to undermine national identity, weaken conservative leadership and advance a globalist vision. 

Catholic doctrine teaches that immigration must be just, orderly, and it must prioritize the common good. Pope Pius XII, Pope Leo XIII, and even Pope Benedict XVI all emphasized the right of nations to control their borders while still practicing charity toward migrants. President Trump’s policies, while strict, do not violate Catholic teaching because they aim to protect the common good – which includes protecting families from crime, ensuring economic stability and maintaining cultural cohesion. 

While Pope Francis criticizes President Trump and Vice President Vance for wanting to secure the U.S. border, the Vatican itself is a walled city-state with one of the strictest immigration policies in the world. The Swiss Guard does not allow open migration into the Vatican, and yet the Pope expects the U.S. to absorb unlimited numbers of illegal migrants. This hypocrisy is confusing and frustrating to faithful Catholics. 

Pope Francis is politicizing Catholic teaching in a way that undermines the moral authority of the Church and aligns it with secular, leftist and globalist agendas. He is prioritizing mass migration and global governance over defending non-negotiable Catholic moral teachings like the sanctity of life, the traditional family and national sovereignty. His selective interventions against President Trump and Vice President Vance – while remaining silent on President Biden’s promotion of abortion and gender ideology – make it clear that his priorities are political, not doctrinal. 

In summary, Pope Francis was noticeably silent about President Biden’s open support of abortion, gender ideology and same-sex marriage, all of which are grave intrinsic evils in Catholic teaching. However, when it comes to President Trump and Vice President Vance enforcing lawful immigration policies which are not intrinsically evil, the Pope suddenly feels the need to intervene. This selective outrage makes it clear that he is more concerned with globalist political goals than with upholding Church doctrine. 

The Church does not teach open borders or unlimited immigration. In fact, Catholic social teaching supports the right of nations to control their borders in a just and orderly manner. St. Thomas Aquinas and other Church theologians have emphasized the importance of prudence and the common good in determining how a nation should handle immigration. Vice President Vance’s invocation of ordo amoris (the order of love) is much more aligned with Catholic tradition than Pope Francis’s globalist interpretation of charity. 

Pope Francis’s letter opposing U.S. immigration policies disregards the nation’s sovereign right to secure its borders, a principle supported by Catholic teaching on the common good. While the Church calls for compassion toward migrants, it does not mandate open borders or unrestricted immigration. Pope Francis’s objection to these policies reflects a political agenda rather than a doctrinal stance, undermining the legitimate authority of the U.S. to enforce its own laws in pursuit of order and national stability.  

Bishop Joseph E. Strickland


TOPICS: Apologetics; Catholic; Religion & Culture; Religion & Politics
KEYWORDS: apostatepope; bishopstrickland; frankenchurch; jesuits; liberationtheology; morepopenews; politicalpope; socialistpope
In summary, Pope Francis was noticeably silent about President Biden’s open support of abortion, gender ideology and same-sex marriage, all of which are grave intrinsic evils in Catholic teaching. However, when it comes to President Trump and Vice President Vance enforcing lawful immigration policies which are not intrinsically evil, the Pope suddenly feels the need to intervene. This selective outrage makes it clear that he is more concerned with globalist political goals than with upholding Church doctrine.
1 posted on 02/13/2025 2:36:26 PM PST by ebb tide
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To: Al Hitan; Fedora; irishjuggler; Jaded; kalee; markomalley; miele man; Mrs. Don-o; ...

Political Pope Ping


2 posted on 02/13/2025 2:38:42 PM PST by ebb tide (The Synodal "church" is not the Catholic Church.)
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To: ebb tide

Before this Pope is through, I predict he will bow down in a Mosque and pray to Allah, in the name of Unity. Then we will know where he truly stands. The author is correct. He has been puzzling. But EVERYONE should pray that all of his secrets are found out. Luke 8:17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.


3 posted on 02/13/2025 2:41:57 PM PST by Eli Kopter (Gentle elves set light to lead the Faroes on the starry way from age to age - U. of Faroe Islands)
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Vatican Complains After USAID Stops Funding Catholic Charity Plagued by Fraud, Sex Abuse

Caritas Internationalis struggles to recover reputation after €61 million embezzled from its Luxembourg branch

4 posted on 02/13/2025 2:43:40 PM PST by ebb tide (The Synodal "church" is not the Catholic Church.)
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To: ebb tide

False Prophet, he needs to read the Bible


5 posted on 02/13/2025 2:43:56 PM PST by lula (God is in control.)
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Comment #6 Removed by Moderator

Cardinal leading Caritas Internationalis says U.S. must see ‘negative impact’ of actions

Cardinal Michael Czerny: Don't be afraid to walk with migrants


7 posted on 02/13/2025 2:50:24 PM PST by ebb tide (The Synodal "church" is not the Catholic Church.)
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To: ebb tide
Never once did the pope criticize Biden and his extreme positions on abortion, transgenderism, or the child sex trafficking and drug flow encouraged by his open border policies.

Satan has found a foothold in the Vatican.
8 posted on 02/13/2025 2:51:13 PM PST by Dan in Wichita
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The Pope’s disastrous letter on immigration


9 posted on 02/13/2025 2:56:54 PM PST by ebb tide (The Synodal "church" is not the Catholic Church.)
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To: TonyM
"Anyone who is still an American after all that their leader, the previous demonic President has done, deserves where they will wind up."

Makes as much sense as what you said.

Try to understand. Catholics believe the church was founded by Christ Himself. It's not a democracy, no Catholic layman gets to pick the Pope; neither do most Catholic clerics.

The Pope is a custodian of that church, in the full sense of the word. It's not his property; he's the temporary caretaker. The current incumbent is a bad custodian. Catholics don't follow the Pope. We follow Jesus. We follow the faith as it has existed for 2000 years.

So you're telling me that, by remaining faithful to the faith of my fathers, which I firmly believe was founded by Christ Himself on the Rock of Peter, God is going to punish me for the bad custodian of that faith in Rome, whom He permitted to take office, whom He permits to remain in office, and who was elected by other men whom He permitted to take office, and in whose selection I had exactly no say at all ... you're telling me that God is going to punish my loyalty to Him with hellfire?

That's just nuts.

Go back and re-read the book of Judges, and then explain how the bad leadership of Israel justified any Jew who wished to walk away from Israel and join up with the Amalekites or the Philistines ... because that's exactly what you're arguing for.

10 posted on 02/13/2025 3:00:14 PM PST by Campion (Everything is a grace, everything is the direct effect of our Father's love - Little Flower)
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To: TonyM

Oh, and this is a Catholic Caucus thread, and you don’t belong here.


11 posted on 02/13/2025 3:00:43 PM PST by Campion (Everything is a grace, everything is the direct effect of our Father's love - Little Flower)
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To: ebb tide

Nothing new, pope socialista faggoto has always been confusing to faithful Catholics.


12 posted on 02/13/2025 3:05:54 PM PST by Mastador1
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To: TonyM
Anyone who is still a Catholic after all that their leader, the current demonic pope, has done that goes against everything holy deserves where they will wind up.

Catholics' leader is Jesus Christ, scripture, tradition handed down over 2000 years, and the teaching authority of the Church.

We respect the office of Pope/Bishop of Rome, but otherwise, its like me saying your leader is Joe Biden.

13 posted on 02/13/2025 3:10:23 PM PST by PGR88
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To: ebb tide

Not really confusing to anyone that recognizes that POS is not the Pope.


14 posted on 02/13/2025 3:14:01 PM PST by GrumpyOldGuy
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To: ebb tide
confusing?

Is anyone here confused? Seems to me that somehow the deep state managed to get a pope invested who supports their leftist nightmare.

15 posted on 02/13/2025 3:15:18 PM PST by AndyJackson
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To: Dan in Wichita

Even I was shocked today to hear devout Catholic author and host Patrick Madrid rattle off some information about Vatican City and immigrants. He said the Pope’s statements reflect the opposite of the actual policies enforced in the Vatican itself and nothing Trump is doing is any different.

Arrest and a $30,000 fine for the illegally entering.

DEPORTATION OF ANYONE ILLEGALLY ENTERING VATICAN CITY.

Excerpt:
The Vatican’s approach to immigration and access is one of the strictest in Europe, reflecting its need to safeguard its small population and the sanctity of its grounds. Unauthorized immigration is not tolerated, and all access to the Vatican is carefully controlled. The laws governing entry are explicit: permits are required and strictly regulated, with access only granted for specific, justified reasons. In alignment with Catholic teaching, the Vatican upholds the principle that civil authorities may regulate immigration in the interest of the common good, a stance echoed by Pope John Paul II in his calls to prevent illegal immigration and combat exploitation.
Vatican City’s immigration law, one of the strictest in Europe |
From ZENIT.

Here is one of the articles detailing the anti-immigrant policy.

https://zenit.org/2024/08/29/vatican-citys-immigration-law-one-of-the-strictest-in-europe/#:~:text=The%20Vatican%27s%20approach%20to%20


ABC News site:
Paul Shaw: How many illegal immigrants does Vatican City take in each year?
The answer is zero.


16 posted on 02/13/2025 3:16:44 PM PST by frank ballenger (There's a battle outside and it's raging. It'll soon shake your windows and rattle your walls. )
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To: ebb tide

Bishop Strickland and Archbishop Vigano are the voices crying in the wilderness.


17 posted on 02/13/2025 3:20:47 PM PST by nanetteclaret (The Fourth Estate is the Fifth Column)
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To: frank ballenger

Thanks for the info, Frank!


18 posted on 02/13/2025 4:01:14 PM PST by Dan in Wichita
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To: ebb tide

It seems to me the Catholic Church was a major beneficiary of dollars given to NGO’S like Catholic Charities. I believe that these NGO’s received about $1K for every $1K they spent on illegal invaders. Not a bad business!


19 posted on 02/13/2025 5:25:48 PM PST by parmamenian (and so it goes!)
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To: ebb tide

20 posted on 02/13/2025 7:25:51 PM PST by Albion Wilde (“Did you ever meet a woke person that’s happy? There’s no such thing.” —Donald J. Trump)
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