In a recent interview with Vatican Media, Cardinal Blase Cupich shared his thoughts on Pope Francis’ letter to United States Bishops, emphasizing the importance of defending the rights of migrants. The Cardinal highlighted that the protection and advocacy for the dignity of migrants is of utmost urgency in the current U.S. landscape.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
Cardinal Blase Cupich from Chicago wholeheartedly welcomed the message from Pope Francis, emphasizing the importance of Catholics developing conscientious awareness as highlighted by the Holy Father.
During the interview with Vatican Media, the Cardinal expressed his gratitude for the Pope’s encouragement in his letter to the United States Bishops, where he backs their efforts in protecting migrants’ rights and dignity.
In the letter, Pope Francis acknowledges the crisis of mass deportations in the United States and commends the Bishops for their dedication to upholding Christian love, which respects the dignity of all individuals regardless of their legal status.
Cardinal Cupich stated, “I deeply appreciate the prophetic witness of Pope Francis in emphasizing the protection and advocacy for the dignity of migrants as the most pressing concern at this moment for the U.S. Bishops and the Church.”
The Cardinal expressed his gratitude for the Pope’s support towards bishops who have criticized indiscriminate deportations and the criminalization of immigrants. He highlighted the challenge for all bishops to unite in defending the human dignity of migrants in the country.
He continued, emphasizing the need for Catholics to have rightly formed consciences to make critical judgments and advocate against policies that undermine human dignity.
Cardinal Cupich added, “A failure to do so, as the Holy Father rightly predicts, will have dire consequences from beginning to end.”
Since assuming office on January 20, US President Donald Trump has issued various executive orders related to immigration, signaling a crackdown on undocumented migrants. In more than 21 actions, Trump has aimed to overhaul parts of the U.S. immigration system, including the processing and deportation of migrants.
In his letter dated February 10, 2025, Pope Francis acknowledges the complexity of U.S. migration policies but stresses that the measure of a just society lies in how it treats its most vulnerable members.
He writes, “The legitimate regulation of migration must never compromise the inherent dignity of each person.”
