Homan Responds To Comment From The Vatican
Tom Homan, former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), did not hold back when responding to Pope Francis’ criticism of American border policies.
Standing outside the White House on Tuesday morning, Homan delivered a sharp rebuttal, calling out what he sees as hypocrisy from the Vatican.
Pope Francis recently condemned the approach taken by the United States on immigration, warning that policies built on force rather than truth and human dignity are doomed to fail. He urged Catholics and people of goodwill not to accept narratives that discriminate against migrants and refugees, arguing that such policies lead to unnecessary suffering.
Homan, however, was quick to push back, arguing that the Pope should focus on the issues within the Catholic Church rather than commenting on U.S. border enforcement.
A self-identified lifelong Catholic, Homan did not mince words, stating, “The Pope ought to fix the Catholic Church. I’m saying this as a lifelong Catholic, baptized Catholic.” He suggested that the Vatican should prioritize addressing its own internal problems before attempting to influence American immigration policy.
One of Homan’s key criticisms centered on the Vatican’s own security measures. He pointed out that the Vatican itself is surrounded by a massive wall, questioning why a similar protective measure is deemed inappropriate for the United States. “He’s got a wall around the Vatican, does he not?” Homan asked. “So he’s got a wall to protect his people and himself, but we can’t have a wall around the United States?”
Homan’s remarks highlight a longstanding debate over border security and the role of moral authority in political affairs. Critics of the Pope’s stance argue that national sovereignty and security should take precedence over ideological concerns, especially when the Vatican itself employs strict measures to regulate entry.
Supporters of the Pope, on the other hand, view his comments as a necessary defense of human dignity and compassion for migrants.