Tensions Rise Between Pope Francis and Donald Trump Over Immigration Policy

USUnited States|

Tensions between Pope Francis and former U.S. President Donald Trump are flaring once again as they engage in a heated debate regarding immigration policy. During Trump's initial presidency, the two figures publicly clashed, and their disagreement seems far from resolved. The pontiff has openly criticized Trump, declaring, "This man is not a Christian," in response to Trump's hardline stance on refugees and immigrants.

As the Catholic Church in the United States prepares for potential conflicts with the administration's policies, many are concerned about the impact this ongoing feud may have on the church’s influence and its followers. The dialogue reflects a broader struggle that could affect relations between the American Catholic community and political leadership.

The latest round of exchanges highlights deep divisions over issues of faith, morality, and national policy, signaling a difficult road ahead for both the Church and the former president.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from United States

Cuts to USAID Spark Concerns Over Mpox Crisis in Africa

As the Trump administration dismantles the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), global health experts warn of a heightened risk of a widespread mpox outbreak. According to Stephen Morse, a Columbia University epidemiology professor, “It’s a real mistake not to be doing everything we can to control this while we’re still able to.” The World Health Organization declared mpox, previously known as monkeypox, a public health emergency of international concern in August 2022, as cases surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and surrounding regions. Despite USAID contributing $55 million for emergency assistance, aid workers report that much of this funding is now frozen under new directives aimed at reducing humanitarian aid. A USAID employee remarked, “Everybody’s lost right now,” as the agency's ability to respond effectively has been severely compromised. Experts caution that cutting off resources not only jeopardizes containment efforts in Africa but increases the likelihood of mpox spreading globally, including to the U.S. Amid ongoing court battles and abrupt evacuations of personnel from the DRC, the future of USAID’s involvement in global health remains uncertain.
USUnited States

Trump Calls Zelensky a "Dictator" Amid Renewed Ukraine-Russia Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on February 20, 2025, that Russia "has the cards" in negotiations regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This comment came as Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodyr Zelensky, labeling him a "dictator" for allegedly refusing to hold elections. The remarks were made following the initial round of U.S.-Russia talks held in Riyadh on February 18, which were conducted without Ukrainian representatives, according to reports. In a related development, the Ukrainian government dismissed claims made by President Vladimir Putin that Russian troops had entered the Sumy region, calling it a "lie." This assertion follows Putin’s suggestion of a potential ground attack from the Kursk border, the first mention of such an offensive since Russian forces retreated from the area in 2022. The ongoing hostilities have prompted Ukraine to engage in discussions about "security guarantees" with NATO, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the conflict.
USUnited States

Bill Gates Warns of Major Risks Facing Future Generations

Bill Gates has identified several pressing global issues that he believes will challenge the next generation, including nuclear war, bioterrorism, the implications of artificial intelligence (AI), and climate change. During a conversation at the Computer History Museum, Gates stated, "The younger generation has to be very afraid of those things" (according to Gates’ comments). He expressed concerns about polarization in society, suggesting that it complicates responses to these threats. Despite these challenges, Gates remains optimistic about future advancements. He noted that progress in areas like healthcare and education will lead to a world that is "so much better off," referencing significant strides against diseases such as HIV and malaria. Gates cautioned that as attention increases towards these critical issues, there might be a tendency to exaggerate their impacts to galvanize action. Additionally, the tech mogul expressed alarm over funding freezes affecting U.S. aid programs, claiming it could result in millions of lost lives without proper interventions, particularly concerning initiatives like PEPFAR, which has saved millions from HIV/AIDS (PBS report).
USUnited States