Pope’s strict Vatican walls clash with US border stance


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In a recent clash between religious and political figures, former Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan criticized Pope Francis for what he perceives as contradictory stances on immigration policies.

During a Newsmax interview, Homan, who identifies as a lifelong Catholic, addressed the apparent discrepancy between the Pope’s criticism of U.S. immigration enforcement and the Vatican’s own strict border policies.

Prior to Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration, Pope Francis had denounced Trump’s deportation plans, describing them as a “disgrace” and suggesting they weren’t an effective solution to America’s immigration challenges.

Homan responded by highlighting what he views as inconsistency in the Pope’s position, pointing to the Vatican’s fortified security measures. He emphasized that unauthorized entry into the Vatican carries severe legal consequences, including imprisonment.

Drawing attention to this contrast, Homan suggested the Pope should focus on addressing issues within the Catholic Church rather than criticizing American immigration policies.

Recent developments support Homan’s observations about Vatican security. The city-state has implemented stricter border control measures, establishing significant penalties for unauthorized entry. These new regulations include substantial monetary fines between 10,000 and 25,000 euros, coupled with prison terms ranging from one to four years.

“Entry by fraudulent circumvention of the State’s security and protection systems or by evading border controls shall be deemed to have occurred ‘by deception,'” the decree elucidates.

The Vatican’s unique position as the world’s only fully walled sovereign territory is maintained through rigorous security measures. Swiss Guard members patrol entry points, supported by armed gendarmes, with most access points sealed during nighttime hours.