Donald Trump was elected the 47th President of the United States on November 6th. This election caps off a tremendous political comeback for Trump and will bring him front and center with Pope Francis, as the two clashed on several issues in Trump’s first term. We should all get ready for round two. Let’s take a look.
Trump is Elected 47th President of the United States.
Donald Trump was re-elected as the 47th President of the United States on Tuesday. His decisive victory gave him a mandate for his second term—the win caps off the most remarkable political comeback in United States history. America undeniably had enough of the woke policies and ideologies pushed by the Biden/Harris administration and, in a loud voice, said so. You can expect to see more focus on
- Law and order
- Legal immigration
- Move back to fossil fuels as our primary energy source
- A foreign policy based on “peace through strength”
- A strong focus on government spending
- Putting more money in the pockets of the taxpayers
The next few months will be challenging for America as we begin a course correction to American values. What will this course correction mean for Catholics? Let’s examine where Trump and Pope Francis will collaborate or contend.
Immigration
In his first term, Trump clashed with Pope Francis on several topics. However, as today’s world is very different, more agreement between the two men is expected. There may be more collaboration this term.
- The most significant area of contention between the two men is likely to be immigration again. Trump has promised the most extensive deportation effort in United States history, and Francis described that policy as “a grave sin against life.” Catholic social teaching states:
- People have the right to migrate to sustain their lives and the lives of their families – “Every person has an equal right to receive from the earth what is necessary for life—food, clothing, shelter. Moreover, every person has the right to education, medical care, religion, and the expression of one’s culture.“
- A country has the right to regulate its borders and to control immigration – “Catholic social teaching is realistic: While people have the right to move, no country has the duty to receive so many immigrants that its social and economic life are jeopardized.“
- A country must regulate its borders with justice and mercy – “A country’s regulation of borders and control of immigration must be governed by concern for all people and by mercy and justice. A nation may not simply decide that it wants to provide for its people and no others.“
There is room for both men to come to some level of agreement. The United States has always been a generous and welcoming nation. Those who are here to do harm and refuse to integrate into our culture should not be here. Please pray that the common good is preserved as the new administration enters office.
Abortion
In Trump’s first term, Pope Francis and President Trump were very much on the same page concerning abortion. As we prepare for a second Trump term, we will see that Trump’s movement to a ban after “x” weeks will be a disagreement between the men. Trump’s agreement to allow abortion up to a point is a significant shift and one that many Catholics cannot accept. We cannot sacrifice our Catholic values for votes. Likewise, Trump’s support for IVF is another area that Catholic social teaching rejects. There are serious moral issues with this process that must be considered.
Gender Ideology
Gender ideology is an agenda that both men have forcefully rejected. Recent propositions on some state ballots have slightly widened the door to accommodate those supporting gender ideology. I expect both men to agree and cooperate to end this harmful ideology.
The good news is that Americans spoke out loudly for a new direction for the country. We still have a long way to go before we see America reflect all Catholic values, but we were reeling off track under this current administration. With the change in direction, there is a sense of relief across much of the country. What do you think about the article? Do you have different views or experiences that you would like to share? I want you to know that all comments are welcome and encouraged.
God Bless
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