Pope Francis Addresses U.S. Deportation Orders

Pope Francis wrote a letter to American bishops Feb. 10 denouncing the deportation initiatives being carried out by the Trump administration. 

Citing biblical and historical examples, Francis reminded bishops of the importance of caring for every person, citing the journey from slavery to freedom the Israelites underwent in the Book of Exodus and the status of Jesus, Mary and Joseph as immigrants in Egypt after Jesus’ birth. 

“[This] invites us to look at the reality of our time, so clearly marked by the phenomenon of migration, as a decisive moment in history to reaffirm not only our faith in a God who is always close, incarnate, migrant and refugee, but also the infinite and transcendent dignity of every human person,” Francis wrote. 

The Rev. Jerry Overbeck, a chaplain and professor, said he appreciated Francis having the courage to speak up about a topic which is raising alarm for a lot of people right now. 

“I think it’s substantive,” Overbeck said. “It’s dealing with some of the real issues that are involved here rather than having an elephant in the room and dancing around it. He’s going right after what I think is some of the best of our church’s teaching in this regard and bring that to the attention of his brother bishops.” 

Overbeck said he thinks it’s pastoral of Francis to recognize the complications these deportation policies can have not only on the church, but on the people they’re impacting personally.

Francis wrote in the letter it’s important to recognize the right of a nation to enforce laws and regulations surrounding borders. He acknowledged although some migrants may have committed crimes, they are in a unique situation of vulnerability and still deserve dignity, regardless of their citizenship status.

“The act of deporting people who in many cases have left their own land for reasons of extreme poverty, insecurity, exploitation, persecution or serious deterioration of the environment, damages the dignity of many men and women, and of entire families, and places them in a state of particular vulnerability and defenselessness,” Francis wrote. 

Overbeck said he loves how Francis anchors his words in the biblical story of the Good Samaritan, which states love should be the founding principle for creating a brotherhood, and fraternity should be available to all.

The letter from Francis was in direct response to several executive orders by the Trump administration increasing immigration enforcement, which have led to the removal of immigrants in increasing numbers since his inauguration, The Associated Press reported.

Overbeck said he thinks religion is being misused as a way to further political agendas.

Francis further reiterated the teachings of Jesus and the importance of his core values in the face of political decisions relating to minority groups. 

“Jesus Christ, loving everyone with a universal love, educates us in the permanent recognition of the dignity of every human being, without exception,” Francis wrote. 

Overbeck said he and his fellow Jesuits often discuss and pray about the deportation initiatives. 

“It’s one of the priorities of the Jesuits in the world, we’re trying to reach out to those on the margins,” Overbeck said. “Well these are certainly people in our own country who are on the margins now.”

Overbeck said he has experienced the impacts of these policies firsthand, and doesn’t think students at Loyola trying to get an education should have to worry about what could happen to themselves or their family.

“To me this is not a theoretical issue,” Overbeck said. “I deal with this every day here at Loyola with our students, faculty, staff, administrators, alums and neighbors nearby. There are a lot of people who are frightened right now and don’t feel safe in our country, even at Loyola.”

Francis said human dignity is more important than political beliefs or actions, and he asked American bishops to root their values in religious teachings of love. 

“All the Christian faithful and people of good will are called upon to consider the legitimacy of norms and public policies in the light of the dignity of the person and his or her fundamental rights, not vice versa,” Francis wrote.

Overbeck said the Loyola community should use this as an opportunity to support each other.

Campus Ministry didn’t respond to The Phoenix’s requests for comment.