Pope Francis Slams Donald Trump's Deportation Plans: 'Not How Things Are Solved'

Pope Francis criticized President-elect Donald Trump's intention to conduct mass deportations during his second administration, saying that it would be a "disgrace" as it "makes the poor wretches who have nothing pay the bill."

Speaking at a talk show in Italy, the pontiff, who has been vocal about his opposition to such policies, said "this is not the way to solve things." "That's not how things are resolved," he added.

Pope Francis has repeatedly made headlines when discussing or acting on the matter, the latest episode taking place after appointing Cardinal Robert McElroy, an advocate for immigration and a critic of Trump, as the new Archbishop of Washington D.C.

As bishop of San Diego, a diocese along the U.S.-Mexico border, McElroy frequently defended immigrants and criticized Trump's immigration policies, calling them acts of injustice. McElroy, 70, has been a staunch ally of Pope Francis, championing the pope's agenda on issues such as migration, the environment and LGBTQ+ inclusion, CNN reported.

The pontiff also said in August that those who are actively working to repel migrants are committing a "grave sin." "It must be said clearly: There are those who work systematically and use every mean possible to repel migrants. And this, when done with awareness, is a grave sin. Let us not forget what the Bible tells us: 'You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him," Francis added during a passage of his allocution.

Francis was speaking broadly, but also made specific references to policies aimed at deterring migration in the U.S. Specifically, he criticized Texas officials' efforts to shut down Annunciation House, a Catholic charity that helps undocumented migrants seeking to reach the country.

"That is madness, sheer madness to close the border and leave them there. That is madness. The migrant has to be received. Thereafter, you see how you're going to deal with them. Maybe after you send them back, I don't know. But each case ought to be considered humanely, right?" Pope Francis said in an interview with CBS News' 60 Minutes in May.