After Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, both Vatican leaders and U.S. bishops expressed a mix of hope and concern. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, offered his congratulations and hopes that Trump would work to unify the deeply divided country. Reflecting on the contentious election campaign, Parolin stressed the importance of wisdom in leadership, a value deeply rooted in Catholic teachings.
Parolin remarked that the new president must strive to be the leader of all Americans, not just his supporters. He emphasized the need to heal the polarization that marked the election, which continues to affect the nation’s political climate. The Vatican hopes that Trump’s leadership will contribute to global peace, particularly in ending ongoing conflicts, a promise Trump made during his campaign.
In line with Parolin’s call for unity, U.S. bishops also issued statements urging prayers for the new administration. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), specifically asked Catholics to pray for Trump and all public leaders. His statement reflected a somber tone, urging leaders to meet the responsibilities entrusted to them and to serve not only the country but also marginalized and vulnerable groups.
Despite the hopeful tone, Broglio reminded the nation of the moral obligation to protect those beyond its borders, calling on leaders to uphold the common good and the dignity of all people, especially the unborn, the poor, the elderly, and migrants. These remarks stood in stark contrast to Trump’s campaign promises to reduce immigration. The bishops’ call for unity also included a plea to safeguard human life and promote the dignity of every person.
The issue of migration remains a significant concern for both the Vatican and U.S. bishops. Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago echoed these sentiments, reinforcing the tradition of welcoming the stranger and caring for those at society’s margins. He urged the new administration to respect the dignity of human life and support vulnerable populations, including migrants.
This message was particularly poignant as many migrants and human rights organizations, including the U.S. branch of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), expressed fears about the potential consequences of a second Trump administration. JRS issued a statement urging Trump to honor the U.S.’s history as a nation of immigrants, rejecting the rising anti-immigrant rhetoric that has gained traction in recent years.
The organization also highlighted the dangers posed to asylum seekers and foreign nationals living legally in the U.S. under the current political climate. The rhetoric of Trump and his allies has sparked fear among those seeking refuge in the U.S. from violence and persecution, with many feeling that the country, once seen as a beacon of hope, may no longer provide the same safe haven.
JRS, a Catholic organization dedicated to serving displaced people, emphasized the moral obligation to welcome, serve, and advocate for migrants and refugees. The group called for a renewed commitment to these values, reminding the nation of its historical responsibility to offer sanctuary to those in need.
As the new administration prepares to take office, both the Vatican and U.S. bishops will continue to urge the president to focus on unity, protect vulnerable populations, and live up to the moral principles of human dignity and compassion. However, their concerns about the treatment of migrants remain at the forefront, as many fear that the policies of the past will continue to affect those who seek refuge and a better life in the United States.
The concerns of the Vatican and U.S. bishops for migrants and vulnerable groups highlight the need for the new administration to prioritize human dignity and unity. As Trump’s presidency moves forward, the challenge will be to reconcile his promises with the moral obligation to protect those in need, especially migrants and refugees. This moment calls for reflection on the values of compassion, care for the marginalized, and the shared responsibility to uphold the dignity of every person.