And then the Trump campaign pointing out that the Vatican City is surrounded by what of all things...a very big wall!
We have a history in the U.S. of separation of Church and State and a First Amendment that codifies this as law.
To me, unless a candidate is truly criminal, discriminatory, or evil in their conduct, it's not appropriate for a lofty religious figure to publicly question their personal faith like that.
Further, when it comes to immigration this is not just an issue in America, but all over Europe now with the refugee crisis, and in many other places in the world.
Of course, we most definitely need to welcome refugees fleeing persecution, conflict, catastrophe, or war.
But when immigration is principally an economic migration, this is something for each nation to debate and decide for what is best for them.
This is not an endorsement of any candidate or party, but rather an acknowledgement that we shouldn't:
1) Mix religion and politics (and impose undue influence in a sovereign nation's elections)
2) Judge our neighbors faith by valid policy debates
3) Throw stones in glass houses (or walled areas as the case may be).
If building bridges is what is promoted and preferred here then the Pope and Trump should kiss (proverbially-speaking that is) and make up. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
