The Vatican has voiced its strong opposition to the Trump administration’s recent decision to drastically reduce funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Cardinal Michael Czerny, a prominent figure closely associated with Pope Francis’ pontificate, emphasized the gravity of the situation, calling the cuts “reckless” and “unhuman.” Czerny, a Canadian Jesuit with deep ties to the Vatican’s charitable initiatives, called for the U.S. government to adhere to Christian principles in its foreign policy decisions.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Czerny expressed concern that these funding cuts would have devastating consequences for millions of people around the world. “Caritas on Monday warned that millions of people will die as a result of the ‘ruthless’ U.S. decision to ‘recklessly’ stop USAID funding, and hundreds of millions more will be condemned to ‘dehumanizing poverty’” (AP).
USAID, the U.S. government’s primary agency for international humanitarian and development aid, manages more than $40 billion annually, accounting for approximately 40% of the global aid budget. Despite this, the Trump administration, alongside billionaire ally Elon Musk, has challenged the role of USAID, implementing a sweeping freeze on most of the agency’s programs worldwide. A federal judge temporarily halted plans to remove thousands of USAID staffers, but the uncertainty surrounding the agency’s future remains.
Cardinal Czerny acknowledged that while any government has the right to review its foreign aid budget, dismantling an established agency like USAID—especially after commitments have been made—presents serious ethical issues. “There are programs underway and expectations and we might even say commitments, and to break commitments is a serious thing,” Czerny said (AP). He urged the U.S. administration to reconsider its course of action, highlighting the long-term harm that could result from such abrupt changes.
One of the most notable recipients of USAID funding is Catholic Relief Services, the aid agency of the U.S. Catholic Church, which has already raised alarms about the potential impact of these cuts. Czerny also pointed to Caritas, the Vatican’s international aid organization, whose programs at diocesan and national levels are now directly affected by the decision. The loss of such funding, Czerny warned, could undermine decades of progress in providing essential services and humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations.
Caritas Internationalis issued a statement urging world governments to press the U.S. administration to reverse its decision. “Stopping USAID will jeopardize essential services for hundreds of millions of people, undermine decades of progress in humanitarian and development assistance, destabilize regions that rely on this critical support, and condemn millions to dehumanizing poverty or even death,” Caritas stated (AP).
While the USAID budget constitutes less than one percent of the U.S. GDP, Czerny noted that it remains a crucial tool in the global effort to address poverty and suffering. He pointed out that the biblical call to tithe—giving 10% of one’s income to charity—serves as a moral benchmark for how nations, especially wealthier ones, should approach global aid. “The budget is less than one percentage point of the U.S. gross domestic product and a fraction of the biblical call to tithe 10% of one’s income,” Czerny remarked (AP).
The Vatican’s concerns about U.S. foreign aid cuts are further compounded by the Trump administration’s focus on reducing programs deemed to promote ideological agendas, particularly those addressing gender issues. Czerny acknowledged that the Pope has often criticized some aspects of Western aid, particularly where it conflicts with Catholic doctrine. “If the government thinks that its programs have been distorted by ideology, well, then they should reform the programs,” Czerny said, adding, “Many people would say that shutting down is not the best way to reform them” (AP).
In addition to concerns over international aid, the Vatican has also been vocal about the Trump administration’s harsh stance on immigration. Czerny, whose family sought refuge in Canada after World War II, expressed deep sorrow over the policies affecting undocumented migrants. “A crackdown is a terrible way to administer affairs and much less to administer justice,” Czerny said (AP). He lamented that many people were being harmed and “terrorized” by immigration enforcement actions. “All we can hope for is that the people, God’s people and the people of goodwill, will help and protect those vulnerable people who are suddenly made much more vulnerable,” he added (AP).
Pope Francis has been an outspoken advocate for migrants and refugees, urging nations to welcome, protect, and promote the dignity of those fleeing conflict, poverty, and climate disasters. This message has been central to his papacy, and Czerny reiterated that countries, particularly those with abundant resources, have a moral obligation to care for those in need. “I don’t think that is any country except perhaps Lebanon, and maybe one or two other exceptions, who are really over the limit,” Czerny said, emphasizing the universal responsibility to care for the vulnerable (AP).
The Vatican’s criticism of the Trump administration’s policies underscores the ongoing tension between Christian ethical principles and contemporary political actions. As nations grapple with issues of global aid, migration, and foreign policy, it is clear that the Vatican will continue to advocate for compassion, justice, and adherence to the moral teachings of the Church.
