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Entry: Benedict on the Border--A Showdown over Church and Nation-State Link: http://www.takimag.com/site/article/benedict_on_the_border_a_showdown_of_church_and_nation_state#24926 Post contents: <i>Look at the Pope’s actual words: “I want to encourage you and your communities to continue to welcome the immigrants who join your ranks today, to share their joys and hopes, to support them in their sorrows and trials and to help them flourish in their new home.”</i> Indeed, we should look at them. Mr. Roberts is right that Pope Benedict does not qualify that statement; but he also doesn't say anything in there about what <i>U.S. immigration policy</i> should be. Benedict's words apply equally if the United States lets in 20,000 immigrants per year; 200,000; or 2 million. The text that Mr. Roberts quoted is, I believe, from Benedict's remarks to the bishops of the United States, and it simply reflects Christ's teaching about how we are supposed to treat the stranger. The Holy Father did not say, "Lobby for lax immigration policies" or "The current level of immigration is not enough [or is sufficient]." We cannot conclude from his silence that he would support a more restrictive immigration policy in the United States; but we also cannot conclude from it that he would be opposed to such a policy. All we can conclude from his remarks is that bishops and their flocks are supposed to live up to Christ's teaching. Sent at: 2008 07 20