Church Leaders Fire Back at JD Vance

The U.S. Southern Border has become the latest battleground in a moral clash between Catholic bishops and political figures aligned with the MAGA movement. The controversy centers on recent actions by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which bishops say endanger pregnant migrants, sparking sharp rebukes from faith leaders and a heated response from Vice President JD Vance.

Bishops Sound the Alarm on Border Policy Rollbacks

Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Migration, has publicly criticized the Trump-era border policies. Last week, he condemned CBP's decision to rescind a previous memo that outlined guidelines for caring for pregnant women in custody. The memo provided protocols like medical assessments and privacy for breastfeeding mothers.

Seitz called the rollback "deeply troubling and inexcusable that measures intended to ensure the basic safety of pregnant mothers and their young children while in government custody could be rescinded with such indifference toward the vulnerability of those involved," as reported by Newsweek. He emphasized that every person in custody deserves respect, regardless of citizenship saying, "Let us be clear: protecting pregnant mothers and their children can never be considered 'obsolete.' This principle irrefutably extends to noncitizens in immigration detention, each of whom possesses an inviolable, God-given dignity that must be respected."

According to the Associated Press, the USCCB filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's suspension of refugee programs in February 2025, arguing that the move harms longstanding resettlement efforts and vulnerable populations seeking refuge. Their stance emphasizes a Gospel-based defense of migrants, rooted in Catholic teachings on human dignity.

Vice President Vance Fires Back

The bishops' criticism has prompted a direct response from Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert and prominent MAGA supporter. According to the Associated Press, Vance alleged that the bishops have used government funding — millions of dollars — to resettle "illegal immigrants," accusing them of political motives that compromise their faith.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, a leading voice in the American Catholic Church, quickly dismissed Vance's claims as "scurrilous" and "nasty" on his SiriusXM show, as reported by the Associated Press. Dolan explained that refugee resettlement is a legal program operated at a loss, heavily supported by private donations, and not a profit-making enterprise. "You think we make money on it? We're losing it hand over fist," Dolan continued. He urged Vance to reconsider and work more constructively with the Church's mission.

Vance defended his stance by citing the medieval Catholic idea of "ordo amoris," or the hierarchy of love saying on Fox News, "You love your family, and then you love your neighbor, and then you love your community, and then you love your fellow citizens in your own country ... Then after that, you can focus and prioritize the rest of the world," as reported by the Associated Press. He added that the "far left" has reversed this order, pushing global concerns above national interests.

Pope Francis Intervenes With Theological Rebuke

The dispute escalated when Pope Francis issued an open letter to U.S. bishops, implicitly criticizing Vance's interpretation of Catholic doctrine. In the letter, the Pope emphasized that true Christian love involves fraternity for all saying, "The true ordo amoris that must be promoted is that which we discover by meditating constantly on the parable of the 'Good Samaritan,' that is, by meditating on the love that builds a fraternity open to all, without exception," as reported by The Times.

He warned against equating an illegal migrant's status with criminality and cautioned that deporting those fleeing poverty, persecution, or environmental crises damages their dignity. And while he recognized a nation's right to defend itself, Francis urged a more humane approach to migration policies, stressing the importance of compassion and respect for human rights.

"I recognize your valuable efforts, dear brother bishops of the United States, as you work closely with migrants and refugees, proclaiming Jesus Christ and promoting fundamental human rights. God will richly reward all that you do for the protection and defense of those who are considered less valuable, less important or less human!" Francis wrote, as reported by Aleteia.

A Larger Divide in Catholic Politics

This high-profile clash reflects broader tensions within American Catholicism. With 53 million adult members, the Church has historically promoted advocacy for migrants based on teachings of human dignity and charity. Yet, rising MAGA-influenced leaders promote a more nationalist faith, emphasizing sovereignty and strict border enforcement.

Figures like Seitz and Dolan uphold traditional Catholic social teaching, including care for the stranger and the vulnerable. Conversely, leaders like Vance support policies that prioritize national security and border control, often invoking theological justifications for prioritizing close relations over global aid.

This division shows a broader struggle among American Catholics over immigration and morality — one that plays out in local communities and national debates alike.

References: American Bishops' War With Trump Admin Is Heating Up | A Short Honeymoon for Catholics in D.C. as Vice President Vance Clashes With Bishops on Migration | Pope writes letter to US bishops about migration (Full text) | Pope Francis Rebukes JD Vance Over Deportation Claim | US Catholic bishops sue Trump administration for halt in funding for refugee settlement