Was the pope right to criticize Trump for his views on immigration?
Absolutely not. The pope shouldn’t comment on individuals running for office in a U.S. presidential election. His comments gave Trump more earned media time — never a good thing. The Pope’s comments probably made more voters feel sympathetic toward Trump vs. turn their back on Trump. An appropriate thing for his Holiness to say would be that this behavior or that behavior is unChristianlike. The Pope is Catholic. He gets to decree who is and who isn’t a Catholic. He doesn’t get to say who is and isn’t a Christian, as Catholics hold no monopoly on Christianity. Joanie Flatt Public relations, community advocate Scottsdale
Yes. The pope is a world leader and entitled to express his opinion on issues of global concern. Immigration is not just a problem for the United States. Other countries struggle with ways to handle the influx of migrants displaced by poverty or armed conflict. The pope has a distinct opinion on how these matters should be handled and vehemently disagrees with Mr. Trump. I do not agree, however, with the pope’s choice to question Trump’s Christian values. Only God has the right to judge Trump for the depth and sincerity of his faith. Christine Schild Retired attorney Scottsdale
No. The pope had the right to criticize "The Donald," however, it was not proper for him to do so. It is not proper for any non-citizen to try to influence the American election. It is particularly improper for the head-of-state for one country (the Vatican in this case) to try to influence the election for the head-of-state of another country. As the church leader, it was even more improper to make derogatory comments about a candidate and question his faith. It is just as wrong when a U.S. official tries to influence elections overseas, which has been done. Boe James Community enthusiast Fountain Hills
No. I don’t agree with litmus tests regarding the authenticity of someone’s faith based upon political views. Christianity is never defined by opinions but by faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. It is very tenuous ground to question someone’s faith because we humans are not divine and cannot truly know another’s soul. Though I admire greatly the pope’s heart for all people and God, after reading his interview transcript, I believe he overstepped. Yet, if he truly meant his answers generally, as the Vatican later intimated, I am also always willing to “give the benefit of the doubt.” Amy Gerak Mom, worship leader, singer/blogger Buckeye