Cardinal Michael Czerny has called on President Trump to uphold Christian values in his approach to migration policies. The Cardinal’s plea comes amid controversial USAID budget cuts and a crackdown on immigration. How does Trump’s immigration policy align with Christian values?
Vatican’s Concern Over USAID Cuts
The Vatican’s charity has strongly criticized U.S. plans to cut USAID funding, labeling the move as “reckless” and “unhuman.” Caritas Internationalis, led by Cardinal Czerny, warned that this decision could lead to millions of deaths and widespread poverty.
USAID, a major international humanitarian agency, managed over $40 billion in 2023, representing about 40% of the global aid budget. The Trump administration, with support from Elon Musk, has implemented a funding freeze affecting USAID programs.
Vatican’s Caritas outraged at ‘reckless’ USAID cuts, says millions will die, others left in povertyhttps://t.co/qs9t6InZ7b
— James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) February 10, 2025
Impact on Catholic Aid Organizations
Catholic Relief Services, a major recipient of USAID funds, is among the organizations affected by these cuts. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has criticized Trump’s policies on immigration, foreign aid, and other issues.
Cardinal Czerny acknowledged the right of governments to review foreign aid but stressed the importance of honoring existing commitments. He stated, “There are programs underway and expectations and we might even say commitments, and to break commitments is a serious thing.”
“A crackdown is a terrible way to administer justice,” says prominent Vatican cardinal @jesuitczerny amid migration policy changes. #CatholicNews #Vatican https://t.co/dlr21q35wo
— Catholic News Agency (@cnalive) February 10, 2025
Immigration Crackdown and Christian Values
The Vatican is also deeply concerned about the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, which has led to thousands of arrests. Cardinal Czerny, whose family were refugees, expressed worry for those hurt by these measures.
He urged Trump to remember Christian values, describing the crackdown as “a terrible way to administer affairs and much less to administer justice.” Czerny emphasized that few countries are truly beyond their capacity to help migrants, highlighting a moral duty to assist as both Christians and citizens.