Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano has accused Catholic leaders of prioritizing financial interests over doctrine in their stance on immigration enforcement. His criticism follows Cardinal Robert McElroy’s recent claim that mass deportations conflict with Catholic teachings.

Vigano argued that deportations align with natural law and a state’s duty to protect its citizens. He alleged that Catholic organizations benefiting from taxpayer-funded immigration programs oppose stricter enforcement to preserve their financial streams. “Stopping illegal immigration would make them lose an inexhaustible source of profit, paid for by citizens’ taxes,” Vigano stated.

The “mass deportation” of illegal immigrants is a decision that the State can legitimately take, and this is a principle dictated by Natural Law even before positive civil law or Canon Law.

Conversely, the “mass deportation” of illegal immigrants is certainly and indisputably… pic.twitter.com/1uiev8fTFU

— Arcivescovo Carlo Maria Viganò (@CarloMVigano) January 8, 2025

"Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò Weighs in On Mass Deportations" ~X

"The “mass deportation” of illegal immigrants is certainly and unquestionably incompatible with the subversive plan of ethnic substitution shared by the globalist elite"https://t.co/Qewy8ZSnFS pic.twitter.com/NfLBOdnwvF

— Jeanie Hannaman (@JeanieHannaman) January 9, 2025

Critics point to the billions of dollars Catholic groups receive to address migration issues. Catholic Charities USA reportedly took in $1.4 billion in government funding in 2023, far exceeding private donations. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has also lobbied for nearly $30 billion in immigration-related appropriations for 2024.

Illegal immigration … finds support from both the Left as well as the Church of Bergoglio, despite the fact that it is directly connected with the trafficking of minors, the increase of criminality and the destruction of the social fabric.https://t.co/O8BnawYZgt pic.twitter.com/sMAwjvWHp5

— Archbishop Viganò (Quotes) (@ArchbpVigano) November 19, 2024

They are planned, paid for invasions. This is a plan for the absolute destruction of Christendom while Rome fiddles.https://t.co/ai6yUGaQRt

— Joan D'Arc (@JoanOfArc1920) January 8, 2025

Vigano tied the Church’s advocacy to a larger globalist agenda, warning that mass immigration destabilizes societies and replaces populations. He described the “deep church” as complicit in these efforts, advancing political goals over spiritual responsibilities.

Modernist bishops constantly attempt to change church doctrine. One interesting tool to combat them is AI. Grok is trained on all the writings of the Church fathers and doctors. You can ask it what would Thomas Aquinas says about an issue:

“Thomas Aquinas would likely argue…

— Zaphnath Paaneah (@spacehuman) January 8, 2025

Illegal immigration …finds support from..the Left.., despite the fact that it is directly connected with the trafficking of minors, the increase of criminality and the destruction of the social fabric. https://t.co/xqmeYHIok8

— Archbishop Viganò (Quotes) (@ArchbpVigano) November 11, 2024

ARCHBISHOP VIGANO COMMENT ON SUPPORTERS OF
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CRIMES 😱@sscjusa@cardinalrlburke@MelGibsonNew@MarkWinneWSB @RaymondArroyo @NathanLipscomb @brendaslynn @RealJasonNelson@MargaretAUGrad @frfrankpavone@fr_james1 @Cathaholic@MarieePhilomena @ipadre… pic.twitter.com/zk1d14LR0f

— 𝕆𝕣𝕝𝕒𝕟… 🇺🇲🗽 🙏✝️🛐👶🕯 (@OrlandoUSA) October 17, 2024

McElroy, recently installed as Archbishop of Washington, has been an outspoken advocate for progressive causes, including LGBTQ inclusion and environmental initiatives. While his leadership has garnered praise in some circles, critics question whether his priorities align with traditional Catholic teachings.

The divide between Vigano and McElroy highlights growing tensions within the Church over its role in societal debates, especially on contentious issues like immigration.