Pope Francis has called the United States’ treatment of migrants on its southern border “madness” in an interview with US broadcaster CBS News.
Speaking on the '60 Minutes' programme, the Pope sharply criticised the closing of the border and the abandoning of migrants. He also condemned the closure by Texas of a Catholic charity that provides humanitarian aid to newcomers.
"That is madness. Sheer madness," Pope Francis remarked. "To close the border and leave them there. That is madness."
"The migrant has to be received," he added. "Thereafter, you see how you are going to deal with him. Maybe you have to send him back. I don't know. But each case ought to be considered humanely."
Each year, large numbers of migrants, predominantly from Central America and Venezuela, escape from poverty and turmoil in their home countries to seek refuge in the United States.
This migration is central to the ongoing election-related debates in the USA. It is a key topic identified and emphasised by Republican candidate Donald Trump, who comes up against incumbent Democratic President Joe Biden in November's presidential polls.
The Pope lamented what he termed the “globalisation of indifference” towards migrants, stating that it was “a very ugly disease.”
In the hour-long interview, the 87-year-old pontiff also touched on the topic of homosexuality, a contentious subject among conservative American bishops. “Blessing everyone, why not? Blessing is for everyone,” the Pope remarked, advocating greater openness.
Turning to sexual abuses within the Church, Pope Francis emphasised the policy of "zero tolerance," following numerous scandals.
“Sadly, the tragedy of abuse is enormous,” he said on CBS. “Whenever there’s a case of a religious figure committing abuses, the full force of the law comes down on them.”
