This is the second in a series on the virtue of Hope which is the theme of this Jubilee Year as proclaimed by Pope Francis. Since I have taken Immigration as my primary focus for the next four years, I decided to share some thoughts with you on Hope and Mercy.

First of all, there is an intimate connection between mercy and empathy, empathy being a foundation for mercy. Empathy leads to understanding and compassion especially for those most vulnerable. Without empathy, true mercy cannot exist. Furthermore, empathy is the ability to put yourself in someone’s shoes and to see life through their eyes. The emotional stance is one of selflessness.

The idea of “mass deportation” doesn’t have a smidgen of empathy in it, let alone mercy. Pope Francis explains:

“The act of deporting people who in many cases have left their own land for reasons of extreme poverty, insecurity, exploitation, persecution or serious deterioration of the environment, damages the dignity of many men and women, and of entire families, and places them in a state of particular vulnerability and defenselessness.” *

Our country needs to protect itself by deporting criminals, but not by expelling men, women, and children who have not been convicted of a crime. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security must send ICE agents only the names of the former; not to do so is a grave injustice and a social sin.

Immigration is a biblical thing. Consider Mary and Joseph, with Jesus, forced to flee to Egypt as refugees because of the wrath of King Herod who wanted to kill their baby. They are the model of immigrants of every time and country. (Matthew 2:13-23)

* Letter of the Holy Father Francis to the Bishops of the United States of America, 10 February, 2025.