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THREAD: Today marks Trump's last full day in office.
Here's a look back on his uneasy relationship with the Catholic Church.
Perhaps it began in 2016, when Pope Francis was asked about Trump's plans for a border wall.
The pope didn't mince words (1/21)
Here's a look back on his uneasy relationship with the Catholic Church.
Perhaps it began in 2016, when Pope Francis was asked about Trump's plans for a border wall.
The pope didn't mince words (1/21)
"A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges is not Christian," said Francis. "This is not in the Gospel."
https://www.ncronline.org/news/pope-francis-questions-donald-trumps-christianity-says-border-wall-not-gospel (2/21)
https://www.ncronline.org/news/pope-francis-questions-donald-trumps-christianity-says-border-wall-not-gospel (2/21)
In March 2016, 30+ conservative Catholics signed a letter published in National Review saying "Donald Trump is manifestly unfit to be president of the United States. His campaign has already driven our politics down to new levels of vulgarity"
https://www.nationalreview.com/2016/03/donald-trump-catholic-opposition-statement/ (3/21)
https://www.nationalreview.com/2016/03/donald-trump-catholic-opposition-statement/ (3/21)
In Sept. '16, Despite initially opposing Trump & signing a letter headlined "Donald Trump in Unacceptable," Catholic head of SBA list, Marjorie Dannenfelser, becomes leader of Trump's "Pro-Life Coalition," securing him millions of dollars and anti-abortion voters. (4/21)
After his surprise election, the U.S. Catholic bishops issue a statement offering Trump prayers and a pledge to work together, but also say "We are with you" to migrants and refugees.
https://www.usccb.org/news/2016/we-are-you-say-us-bishops-calling-elected-officials-and-americans-work-together-welcome (5/21)
https://www.usccb.org/news/2016/we-are-you-say-us-bishops-calling-elected-officials-and-americans-work-together-welcome (5/21)
During his first month in office, Trump issues the Muslim travel ban, VP Pence & Kellyanne Conway attend the March for Life in person. Trump nominates Neil Gorsuch to Supreme Court, fulfilling his pledge to pro-lifers to nominate someone to carry on the legacy" of Scalia. (6/21)
In May 2017, Trump travels to Rome where he meets Pope Francis at the Vatican and discussed "healthcare, education and assistance to immigrants," for 30 minutes. (7/21) https://www.ncronline.org/news/vatican/francis-asks-trump-work-peace-after-closely-watched-vatican-meeting
One month later, in June 2017, Trump announces he is pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, an initiative that Francis enthusiastically supported. The move was widely denounced by U.S. Catholic groups. (8/21) https://www.ncronline.org/news/earthbeat/catholics-call-trumps-move-paris-climate-deal-unconscionable
In August 2017, a deadly White Supremacist and neo-Nazi rally takes place in Charlottesville, Virginia. Trump says there are "very fine people on both sides."
Catholic leaders launch an ad hoc committee against racism in response to the 'Unite the Right' rally. (9/21)
Catholic leaders launch an ad hoc committee against racism in response to the 'Unite the Right' rally. (9/21)
In Sept. 2017, Trump announces he is ending DACA program, which protects immigrants who entered the US as minors from deportation.
Catholic bishops call the decision "reprehensible" and "heartless" (10/21) https://www.globalsistersreport.org/news/migration/daca-decision-meets-swift-catholic-condemnation-48981?gsr_redirect=1
Catholic bishops call the decision "reprehensible" and "heartless" (10/21) https://www.globalsistersreport.org/news/migration/daca-decision-meets-swift-catholic-condemnation-48981?gsr_redirect=1
In December 2017, Trump announces the US will recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Pope Francis warns against it, along with Catholic bishops who say "sudden changes would cause irreparable harm. (11/21)
From April-June 2018, the Trump administration enacts as family separation policy at the US-Mexico border to deter migrants from coming to US, separating thousands of children from their parents. The U.S. bishops send a delegation to the border in response. (12/21)
In July 2018, Trump nominates Catholic Judge Brett Kavenaugh to replace retiring Supreme Court justice Anthony Kennedy. (13/21)
