So-called “Catholics” like Biden and Pelosi would have you believe their Church is gung-ho for Leftism. Well they’ve just been proven dead wrong.
And now a Catholic Bishop broke ranks and gave this Trump order his blessing.
Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, issued a pastoral letter on Jan. 31, making it clear that a responsible immigration policy must uphold both human dignity and the rule of law—not undermine one for the sake of the other.
Opening his letter, Bishop Burbidge extended “pastoral encouragement” to President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Congressional leaders, elected officials, and all Catholics and people of goodwill, urging them “to consider the common good of our country with the light of faith.”
The bishop firmly emphasized that “the rule of law is to defend and promote the common good” and stressed that “comprehensive immigration reform need not harm the dignity of any person.” He made it clear that enforcing immigration laws is not incompatible with treating individuals humanely.
“Even when immigration reform includes repatriation of those persons who have committed violent crimes, or who otherwise violate the terms of a right to remain, human dignity can be respected,” he wrote. “We must not presume a conflict between human dignity and the rule of law.”
Bishop Burbidge did not shy away from addressing the harsh realities of illegal immigration.
“Sadly, some of those who have entered our country, legally or illegally, have committed serious crimes,” he acknowledged. “There must be consequences for such behavior, as there is no place for violence, trafficking, or gang activity in our society. Our laws exist to safeguard the good of all, and they must be respected.”
His words stand in stark contrast to the open-border policies pushed by left-wing politicians, which have allowed dangerous criminals to flood American communities. By affirming that “every country has the right and the responsibility ‘to promote public order, safety, and security through well-regulated borders and just limits on immigration,’” he made it clear that a nation’s duty is first and foremost to its citizens.
He also echoed Pope Francis in reminding Catholics that every migrant is “a child of God.” But unlike the progressive narrative that seeks to blur the lines between legal and illegal immigration, Bishop Burbidge remained firm in the Church’s stance that national sovereignty and security come first.
He highlighted the contributions of legal immigrant communities to the Church in Northern Virginia but reinforced the need to uphold law and order.
The Church, he said, supports “the rights of persons to the integrity and unity of their families irrespective of where they settle” and “the right of all to the spiritual care afforded by the sacraments.”
Catholics, he urged, have a moral obligation to serve those in need, but that does not mean endorsing lawlessness.
“We are also obligated, as believers in Jesus Christ, to serve those who come to us for assistance—no matter who they are.”
In a direct plea to law enforcement, he asked for discretion when it comes to Church spaces but did not suggest that enforcement of the law should be abandoned.
“For these reasons, I plead with those responsible for law enforcement to refrain from entering our sacred spaces unless absolutely and unequivocally necessary to ensure the safety of all persons,” he urged.
Bishop Burbidge concluded with a decisive statement: “We are a Church that stands for justice, not against the enforcement of law, but for its application with mercy and understanding for the good of all persons and our country.”
His message was clear—justice requires a strong, secure border, and law enforcement must be allowed to do its job to protect American communities.
Stay tuned to Prudent Politics.
