The Pope has been on a five-day trip to Mexico to plead with countries to show compassion for thousands of immigrants fleeing war and poverty. While Pope Francis was flying back to Rome from Mexico, he had a few choice words for “anyone” who would want to build a wall to keep people out.
During the trip, Pope Francis said:
“Thank God he said I was a politician because Aristotle defined the human person as, animal politicus, so at least I’m a human person. As to whether I’m a pawn, well, maybe, I don’t know. I’ll leave that up to your judgement and that of the people. And then, a person who thinks only about building walls — wherever they may be located — and not building bridges, is not a Christian. This is not in the gospel. As far as what you said about whether I would advise to vote or not vote, I am not going to get involved in that. I say only that this man is not a Christian if he had said things like that.”
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to note that all of the GOP presidential candidates want to build a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico. So I guess that makes them all non-Christian. The irony of stating that has left a big smile on my face. Now the most adamant of all to see this wall built, and to have Mexico pay for it, is Donald Trump. After hearing of Pope Francis’ statement, Trump said:
“…and I’m a very good Christian, because the Pope said something to the effect that, “Maybe Donald Trump Isn’t Christian,” okay. And he’s questioning my faith. I was very surprised to see it but I am a Christian, I’m proud of it. Okay, for a religious leader to question a person’s faith is disgraceful. I’m proud to be a Christian, and as president I will not allow Christianity to be consistently attacked and weakened unlike what is happening now…”
Here we go again with the whole “war on Christianity” nonsense. We already have enough far-right loons shoveling that BS. Just look at Ted Cruz and his buddy Glenn Beck. Also, as you watch the exchange, notice how this is one of the very rare times – if any – that Trump has had to read his own statement. Usually he just spouts off with whatever is on his mind. Maybe Pope Francis scares him.
Whatever it is, I doubt this will be the last of Pope Francis versus Donald Trump, and I’m glad. While I’m not Catholic, I love that Pope Francis called out these hypocritical liars on their holier-than-thou Christian rhetoric. Get ready, because this is only round one.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9WqGT42jy0&w=853&h=480]
