Pope's comments on Trump not a 'personal attack' – Vatican

Pope Francis and Donald Trump Reuters

Pope Francis's suggestion that Donald Trump was "not Christian" because of his views on immigration was not a personal attack on the US Republican presidential candidate, Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said on Friday.

Lombardi told Vatican Radio that the pope's comments, made to reporters during a flight back from Mexico in response to a specific question on Trump, were simply an affirmation of his long-standing belief that migrants should be helped rather than shut off behind walls.

article,article,article,article Related

"In no way was this a personal attack, nor an indication of how to vote," Lombardi said.

Trump, the longtime Republican party front-runner in opinion polls, dismissed the pope as "disgraceful" for questioning his faith. He has said that if elected president in November, he would build a wall along the US-Mexican border to keep out immigrants who enter illegally.

Lombardi said the pope believed people "should build bridges, not walls". He added: "This is his general view, which is very consistent with courageously following the indications of the gospel on offering welcome and solidarity."

related articles
We must get used to being offended. Without free speech democracy crumbles
We must get used to being offended. Without free speech democracy crumbles

We must get used to being offended. Without free speech democracy crumbles

Pope Francis suggests Donald Trump 'is not a Christian'

Pope Francis suggests Donald Trump 'is not a Christian'

Does the Pope really think Donald Trump isn\'t a Christian?
Does the Pope really think Donald Trump isn't a Christian?

Does the Pope really think Donald Trump isn't a Christian?

Donald Trump and the Religious Right. Is Jesus really into politics?
Donald Trump and the Religious Right. Is Jesus really into politics?

Donald Trump and the Religious Right. Is Jesus really into politics?

News
Trump forms Religious Liberty Commission to address 'emerging threats' First Amendment rights
Trump forms Religious Liberty Commission to address 'emerging threats' First Amendment rights

In a new executive action, President Donald Trump has established a new Religious Liberty Commission to bolster protections against “emerging threats” to the US’s longstanding tradition of faith-based freedoms. 

Leviticus: the joyful middle book of the Torah
Leviticus: the joyful middle book of the Torah

Hebrew scholar and Jewish academic Irene Lancaster reflects on Leviticus, holiness and loving your neighbour. 

'The Light He Left Behind': Martin Scorsese unveils new documentary featuring final interview with Pope Francis
'The Light He Left Behind': Martin Scorsese unveils new documentary featuring final interview with Pope Francis

Acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese has announced a forthcoming documentary that will showcase the final on-camera interview with the late Pope Francis, capturing the pontiff’s enduring message of compassion, creativity, and cross-cultural dialogue.

5 things to know about Pope Leo XIV
5 things to know about Pope Leo XIV

Perhaps the most notable aspect of Prevost’s ascension to the papacy is his background.