In Vatican City, a charity from the Vatican expressed strong disapproval of the U.S. plans to cut funding for USAID, which helps people in need worldwide. Cardinal Michael Czerny, a key aide of Pope Francis, urged the Trump administration to remember the Christian values of helping others as they take charge.
Cardinal Czerny leads the Vatican office that focuses on helping migrants and protecting our environment. He warned that if the U.S. stops funding USAID, millions could suffer and even die from poverty. USAID, which manages over $40 billion a year, is the main U.S. organization that provides help to countries around the world.
Recently, the Trump administration has been pushing to freeze funds for USAID, leading to the halt of many of their programs. Although a judge has temporarily stopped them from removing staff, concerns remain.
Czerny said that while it’s okay for any government to look at its aid budget, it’s wrong to break promises made to help others. He highlighted that many important programs depend on this funding. Catholic Relief Services, an important group that helps those in need, is already raising alarms about these cuts.
Caritas, the Vatican’s charity, called for governments to urge the U.S. to change its decision. They stated stopping USAID will harm millions and make the world less safe. Czerny pointed out that USAID’s budget is less than 1% of the U.S. economy and encouraged reforms instead of cuts.
The Cardinal also expressed worry about the Trump administration’s tough stance on undocumented immigrants, saying that this approach harms many vulnerable people. He emphasized that it’s important to protect those who are most at risk.
Pope Francis has made it clear he wants countries to help those fleeing difficult situations, such as war and poverty. Czerny believes all countries should help those in need.
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