Render Unto Caesar: Balancing Earthly Laws And The Commandment To Love – JP
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The issue of immigration, particularly the influx of undocumented migrants, has become a contentious topic in the United States in recent years. While some argue for a more welcoming approach, others emphasize the importance of secure borders and the rule of law. As Catholics, we are called to approach this issue with compassion and realism, following the teachings of Christ.
The Catholic Church has consistently advocated for welcoming and supporting immigrants, regardless of their legal status. Pope Francis has been particularly vocal on this issue, calling on Catholics to show compassion and solidarity with those who are fleeing poverty, violence, and persecution. In a 2018 address to the Plenary Council of the International Catholic Migration Commission, the Pope said:
“The Church, in her pastoral concern for migrants and refugees, is called to be an important voice addressing the conscience of society and to offer a prophetic witness of welcome, encounter, and solidarity with them. This is a great challenge, but also a great opportunity for the Church to grow in fidelity to the Lord Jesus and in faithful and fruitful discipleship.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998 to 2013. During his tenure, he was accused of supporting the conservative government of Argentina, which was known for its “Dirty War” against leftists and dissidents. The military junta that ruled Argentina from 1976 to 1983 was responsible for the disappearance, torture, and murder of thousands of people, many of whom were left-wing activists, students, and intellectuals.
While Pope Francis has denied any involvement in the Dirty War, some critics have pointed to his close relationship with the Argentine military and his failure to speak out against the atrocities committed during this period. For example, he was accused of not doing enough to protect two Jesuit priests who were kidnapped and tortured by the military in 1976. The priests, Orlando Yorio and Franz Jalics, later stated that they believed Bergoglio had been complicit in their abduction.
Furthermore, Pope Francis has been criticized for his ties to General Jorge Videla, the leader of the military junta responsible for the Dirty War. In 2010, a human rights lawyer named Myriam Bregman filed a criminal complaint against Bergoglio, accusing him of being an accomplice to the dictatorship. The complaint was ultimately dismissed, but it highlighted the controversy surrounding Pope Francis’s past.
Pope Francis has denied any wrongdoing. His relationship with the conservative Argentine government and his alleged failure to speak out against the Dirty War have led some to accuse him of supporting the terrorists who targeted leftists during this period. It is worth noting that Pope Francis’s stance on immigration is informed by his experiences in Argentina, where he supported conservative groups that opposed leftist movements. As the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he spoke out against the human rights abuses committed by the military dictatorship and advocated for the rights of the poor and marginalized. This background has shaped his understanding of the importance of compassion and solidarity in addressing social and political challenges.
We believe that this history weighs heavily on the Holy Father as he balances managing a worldwide Church that has dwindling attendance, has weathered a worldwide scandal and coverup, and has his hands tied against openly pushing back against the globalist agenda supporting this mass migration to all the First World nations and most importantly, the United States of America.
Similarly, Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston has emphasized the importance of compassion and the rule of law in addressing the issue of immigration. In a 2019 statement, he said:
“We must balance the rule of law with the demands of justice, compassion, and the common good. We must ensure that our immigration system is fair, efficient, and humane, while also respecting the sovereignty of our nation and the need for secure borders.”
The Archdiocese of Miami, which has long been a gateway for immigrants from Latin America and the Caribbean, has also been actively involved in providing humanitarian aid, shelter, and other forms of support to migrants and refugees arriving in the area. In a 2020 statement, Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami said:
“As a Church, we are called to welcome the stranger and to provide assistance to those in need, regardless of their legal status. We must balance this call to compassion with the need for secure borders and the rule of law, but we cannot turn our backs on those who are fleeing desperate circumstances.”
These statements reflect the Church’s teaching on the dignity of every human life and the call to love and serve our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable among us. This teaching is rooted in the Bible, particularly in the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39, NIV) and in the parable of the Good Samaritan, which emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and mercy to those in need, regardless of their background or circumstances.
At the same time, the Church recognizes the importance of respecting civil authority and upholding the rule of law. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus says, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17, NIV). This passage suggests a distinction between earthly authorities and God’s authority. We are called to respect and obey civil laws, even as we prioritize the commandment to love and serve our neighbors.
However, the administration of President Biden has seen a dramatic increase in the number of undocumented migrants entering the country, along with a rise in child slavery, drug running, and threats to national defense. These developments have raised serious concerns about the impact of unchecked immigration on the safety and well-being of both migrants and American citizens.
In contrast, President-elect Trump has shown compassion and a willingness to find a balanced solution to the issue of immigration. He has stated that the Dreamers, who were brought to the country as children and have grown up as Americans, will be given a pathway to citizenship. Additionally, he is likely to extend a hand to the rest of the undocumented population, providing them with an opportunity to gain legitimacy and become contributing members of society as long as they become patriotic members of our nation. I would add that a patriotic citizen will learn the culture, speak the language, and respect the traditions of their adopted country.
At the same time, President-elect Trump has made it clear that child slavery, drug running, and threats to national defense will not be tolerated. He has pledged to secure the border, crack down on criminal organizations, and ensure that immigration laws are enforced fairly and humanely.
Ultimately, a comprehensive solution to the issue of immigration will require a multifaceted approach that combines secure borders, the rule of law, targeted foreign aid, and a willingness to assist those in need. This will necessitate difficult choices and a balancing of competing priorities, but it is a challenge that we must confront head-on. We hope that the new Department of Government Efficiency(DOGE) will have a hand in ensuring that our foreign aid dollars are not squandered on dictators, plutocrats, Narcos, and Oligarchs.
As Catholics, we are called to approach this issue with realism and compassion, following the teachings of Christ. While we may disagree on policy specifics, we should strive to engage in this debate with charity and a commitment to the common good. In this holiday season of great hope, as we approach the New Year of 2025, we look to it with optimism, charity, and a clear focus on standing fast and fighting evil wherever it may be. Those who are misguided should be corrected. Remember how the Catholic Church persecuted Galileo for saying the sun was the center of the solar system? Unquestioningly, supporting an open border is akin to supporting evil and open lawlessness.