Pope Francis has declined to directly comment on the election of Donald Trump as US President, instead focusing on the impact of political decisions on the poor and excluded. In an interview with Italy's La Repubblica, the pontiff said he does not judge political figures but seeks to understand how their actions affect the vulnerable.
The Pope expressed particular concern for refugees, stating that 'money is against the poor' and calling for the breaking down of 'walls that divide'. His remarks come after earlier criticism of Trump's immigration policies, which the Pope had described as 'not Christian'. A Vatican spokesman later clarified that this was not a personal attack.
Meanwhile, the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has wished Trump well and offered prayers for his 'enlightenment' in serving global peace and welfare. The Catholic Church remains opposed to abortion, same-sex marriage, and stem cell research, positions that align with Trump's pledge to appoint anti-abortion judges to the Supreme Court.
