(Washington) Pope Francis described the attitude of the United States towards migrants massed on its southern border as “madness” on Sunday during an interview on the American channel CBS News.
” This is madness. Pure madness. Closing the border and leaving them (the migrants) there is madness. Migrants must be welcomed,” the Pope thundered on the “60 Minutes” program.
“Then you see what you are going to do (with the migrant). Maybe you will have to send him back, I don’t know, but each case must be taken into consideration with humanity,” he said.
The pope also criticized the state of Texas’ closure of a Catholic charity that offered humanitarian aid to arrivals.
Many migrants, mainly from Central America or Venezuela, flee poverty and unrest in their countries to come to the United States each year.
PHOTO ADREES LATIF, REUTERS
Migrants surrender to American authorities in Jacumba.
In view of the American presidential election in November, the subject is at the heart of the debates, pushed in particular by the Republican candidate Donald Trump, who will face the outgoing Democratic President Joe Biden.
“The globalization of indifference” towards migrants “is a very ugly disease,” Francis said.
During this interview lasting more than an hour, the 87-year-old pontiff also raised the theme of homosexuality, while conservative American bishops criticize him for his positions.
“Bless each person, why not? The blessing is for all,” said the pope, who campaigns for more openness.
Francis also spoke about sexual violence within the Church, insisting on a policy of “zero tolerance” after several scandals.
“Unfortunately, the tragedy of abuse is enormous,” he lamented on CBS.
“When there is a case of a religious man or woman committing abuse, the full force of the law falls on them,” he said.