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At World Day Mass, Washington Archbishop Denounces U.S. Immigration Crackdown as 'Governmental Assault'

He says the strategy uses fear to strip people of peace so they will "self-deport".

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US cardinal Robert Walter Mcelroy attends a press conference of US cardinals, a day after the new pope's election, at the North American College in Rome on May 9, 2025. Pope Leo XIV, Robert Francis Prevost, was on May 8, 2025, elected the first pope from the United States, the Vatican announced. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)
Cardinal Robert McElroy of San Diego, who was named in January as the archbishop of Washington, D.C. by Pope Francis, speaks during a news conference Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Overview

  • Cardinal Robert McElroy delivered the remarks Sunday after leading a seven-station march from a Columbia Heights parish to the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle for the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
  • He warned that current enforcement inflicts horrific emotional suffering on U.S.-born children who may be forced to choose between their parents and the only country they have known.
  • While affirming a nation's right to control its borders, he said the policies go far beyond legitimate aims, rely on fear and terror, and are willing to tear families apart.
  • He urged Catholics to offer sustained, prophetic, compassionate solidarity, calling the Church to consolation, peaceful witness, courage, and sacrifice, and he thanked parish ministries for their support.
  • His homily received a lengthy standing ovation and was reported by local outlet WTOP News and by Vatican News.