Immigration has long been debated, raising questions about justice, mercy, and the common good. In Washington, D.C., this conversation takes center stage as Donald Trump begins his second, non-consecutive term as President of the United States and Cardinal Robert McElroy prepares for his installation as Archbishop. This convergence of leadership highlights a striking contrast: a president whose immigration policies often align with Catholic teaching on law and order and a cardinal whose rhetoric prioritizes “radical inclusion” at the expense of the Church’s balanced doctrine.
Trump’s focus on border security and lawful entry reflects the Church’s consistent teaching on the right of nations to regulate their borders, as outlined in papal encyclicals such as Exsul Familia Nazarethana (1952). Meanwhile, while emphasizing mercy, McElroy’s advocacy for open borders neglects justice and order—principles equally central to Catholic teaching.
This article explores the contrasting visions of these two leaders: Trump, a political figure shaping immigration policy through governance, and McElroy, a spiritual leader entrusted with shepherding the faithful. While Trump is not Catholic and does not fully embrace or embody Catholic teaching on all topics, his stance on immigration upholds certain principles of justice and order more consistently than some members of the Church hierarchy, including Cardinal McElroy.
Catholic Teaching on Immigration
The Church’s stance on immigration upholds individuals’ dignity while affirming nations’ right to regulate migration.
Catholic teaching on immigration is rooted in the balance between the individual’s dignity and the state’s responsibility to uphold the common good. This dual mandate is central in documents such as Exsul Familia Nazarethana (Pope Pius XII, 1952), emphasizing that migration is a natural right, particularly for those fleeing persecution or dire need. However, it also underscores that exercising this right must respect the legal frameworks of receiving nations.
Similarly, Rerum Novarum (Pope Leo XIII, 1891) and Quadragesimo Anno (Pope Pius XI, 1931) emphasize that the state has the right and the duty to enforce laws that safeguard social order and protect its citizens. Pope Pius XII reinforced this principle in Exsul Familia Nazarethana (1952), highlighting that while individuals have the right to migrate to sustain their lives and families, this right must be exercised within the boundaries of just laws and the common good of the host nation. These teachings affirm that nations are morally obligated to regulate immigration in a way that balances justice and mercy, always considering the dignity of migrants.
This principle is deeply rooted in Scripture. St. Paul writes in Romans 13:1-2: “Let every soul be subject to higher powers: for there is no power but from God: and those that are, are ordained of God. Therefore he that resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God,” (Romans 13:1-2). St. Peter echoes this in 1 Peter 2:13-14, urging Christians: “Be ye subject therefore to every human creature for God’s sake: whether it be to the king as excelling; Or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of the good.” These passages emphasize the divine origin of legitimate authority and the Christian duty to respect laws that uphold order and justice, principles that seamlessly align with the Church’s balanced teaching on immigration.
McElroy’s Open Borders Focus
Cardinal McElroy’s public stance on immigration reflects a strong commitment to the dignity of migrants and the need for compassion in policy-making. He has repeatedly called for prioritizing human rights over enforcement measures, such as deportations. However, his singular focus on mercy reduces the Church’s broader teaching on immigration, neglecting the equally vital principles of justice and order.
Critics highlight a troubling inconsistency in McElroy’s leadership (NBC San Diego). While he advocates mercy for immigrants, his actions as a prelate raise serious concerns about his application of this same principle to those under his authority. Reports from his tenure in San Diego detail his failure to adequately address cases of abuse, including allegations of Satanic sex rituals involving one of his priests (Leila Miller Blog). This perceived disregard for victims under his care starkly contrasts his advocacy for those outside his direct responsibility, leading to accusations of hypocrisy (California Catholic Daily).
Additionally, McElroy’s framing of issues like “indiscriminate deportations” often aligns more closely with progressive political trends than with the Church’s balanced teaching. Echoing Scripture and Tradition, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (2241) explicitly states that immigrants must respect the laws of their host nation, assist in carrying civic burdens, and show gratitude for their new country’s material and spiritual heritage—principles his approach overlooks.
Trump’s Border Security Focus
In contrast to McElroy, Donald Trump’s immigration policies align more closely with the Catholic principle that nations have the right to secure their borders and regulate migration to ensure the common good. His insistence on lawful immigration reflects the Church’s teaching that the rule of law is foundational to a just society.
The topic of constructing a border wall finds an interesting parallel in Vatican City, which is surrounded by walls as a measure of protection. Pope Francis criticized the building of walls instead of bridges during Trump’s first presidential tenure (CNN). The Pontiff’s critique has led many to question the consistency of Vatican City’s walls, a historical and practical example of balancing openness with security. This juxtaposition underscores that hospitality does not negate the need to maintain boundaries.
Selective Emphasis Distorts Teaching
Some spiritual leaders fragment the faith by emphasizing one aspect of Catholic teaching while neglecting others. For instance, Cardinal McElroy elevates compassion at the expense of the Church’s teachings on law and order, fostering confusion among the faithful. This selective presentation creates the irony that, on specific topics, a non-Catholic political leader like Donald Trump reflects Catholic principles more accurately than some within the Church hierarchy.
Catholic teaching is not a buffet from which shepherds can pick and choose; it is an integrated whole that requires justice, mercy, truth, and love. Attempts to selectively present these elements distort the Church’s moral authority in the eyes of the faithful, leading to confusion. Such distortions do not represent the fullness of Catholic teaching but instead misrepresent it, undermining the integrity of the faith and leading some astray.
A Model of Obedience
Donald Trump and Cardinal McElroy’s leadership in Washington, D.C., invite Catholics to reflect on upholding justice and mercy while avoiding extremes that compromise orthodoxy. The Holy Family offers a timeless model of balancing respect for authority with charity.
When Caesar Augustus decreed a census, Mary and Joseph complied, traveling to Bethlehem. Later, they sought refuge in Egypt within the legal bounds of the Roman Empire, demonstrating respect for legitimate authority even in challenging circumstances. This example guides Catholics today, who can apply these lessons by advocating for lawful immigration, supporting policies that uphold national sovereignty, and aiding migrants through just and charitable means. Above all, Catholics must remain focused on the salvation of souls, ensuring compassion never obscures justice and truth.
While often criticized, Trump’s policies reflect a commitment to the rule of law and border protection—principles congruent with Catholic teaching. In contrast, McElroy’s selective emphasis on compassion undermines the Church’s teachings on justice and order. As Catholics face ideological divides, they are called to rise above partisanship, faithfully defend the fullness of their faith, and bear witness to the harmony of justice and mercy.
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