DC Archbishop condemns federal immigration crackdown; calls policies a ‘governmental assault’
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Sep 29, 2025, 19:32 IST
At the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees Mass, Washington Archbishop Cardinal Wilton Gregory condemned federal immigration policies as a “governmental assault” on vulnerable communities. Speaking at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, he called for compassion, solidarity, and moral responsibility toward migrants. The service included a procession with prayers for separated families, highlighting the Catholic Church’s continued advocacy for immigration reform and protection of displaced populations.
TLDR
At a packed Mass marking the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Washington Archbishop Cardinal Wilton Gregory condemned recent federal immigration policies as a “governmental assault” on vulnerable communities. Speaking at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle before hundreds of immigrants and advocates, Gregory urged compassion and solidarity, framing the issue as a moral duty rooted in faith and history. The service included a procession through Northwest Washington, with prayers for separated families and banners calling for justice. His remarks underscored the Catholic Church’s continued push for immigration reform and its message that protecting migrants is both a civic and sacred responsibility.
The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle was filled beyond capacity Sunday evening as hundreds gathered for Mass marking the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. The wooden pews of the historic church in downtown Washington which seats about 1,000 overflowed with worshippers, many of them immigrants and advocates, who came together to pray and march in solidarity with those facing displacement.
The liturgy began in familiar fashion with prayers, readings, and hymns. But the homily quickly took on a sharper tone as Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the Archbishop of Washington, used the pulpit to deliver a message of resistance against recent federal policies.
Gregory denounced what he described as a “governmental assault” on immigrants and refugees, saying the nation’s increasing restrictions are not only a political matter but also a moral one. “Our responsibility to welcome the stranger is not optional,” he told the congregation. “It is rooted in our faith, in our history, and in our shared humanity.”
Sunday’s service was part of a larger observance that included a procession through Northwest Washington, where participants carried banners, sang hymns, and prayed for families separated by borders and detention. Organizers said the turnout reflected growing anxiety among immigrant communities over recent federal crackdowns.
Many in attendance noted that the Mass offered both spiritual comfort and a show of public solidarity. “It means so much to see the church standing with us,” said one attendee, who emigrated from Central America more than a decade ago. “At a time when so much feels uncertain, this gives us strength.”
The homily comes amid heightened tensions over U.S. immigration enforcement, with advocates accusing the government of intensifying deportations and limiting asylum access. The Biden administration has defended its approach as necessary to maintain order at the border, while faith leaders and humanitarian groups have urged more compassionate policies.
Gregory, one of the most influential Catholic voices in the country, has repeatedly called for comprehensive immigration reform. His remarks Sunday underscored the church’s longstanding stance that protecting migrants is not only a civic duty but also a sacred one. The event also highlighted the role of Washington’s immigrant faith communities in shaping public dialogue. For many, the Mass served as both a worship service and a rallying cry for dignity and justice.
“Our faith teaches us that borders should never erase the bonds of human family,” Gregory said, urging those in attendance to advocate for migrants in their neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces. As parishioners spilled out of the cathedral into the city streets, the message resonated well beyond the sanctuary: in a time of political division and policy disputes, the church aimed to reaffirm solidarity with migrants not as outsiders, but as part of the nation’s shared community.
FAQ
1. What did Archbishop Wilton Gregory say about immigration policies?
He denounced them as a “governmental assault” on immigrants and refugees, stressing that welcoming the stranger is a moral and faith-based obligation.
2. What was the purpose of the Mass and procession in Washington?
The event marked the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, bringing together immigrants, advocates, and faith leaders to pray, march, and show solidarity with displaced families.
3. How does the Catholic Church view immigration issues?
The church, led by figures like Gregory, has consistently called for comprehensive immigration reform and emphasized that protecting migrants is both a civic duty and a sacred responsibility.
At a packed Mass marking the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Washington Archbishop Cardinal Wilton Gregory condemned recent federal immigration policies as a “governmental assault” on vulnerable communities. Speaking at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle before hundreds of immigrants and advocates, Gregory urged compassion and solidarity, framing the issue as a moral duty rooted in faith and history. The service included a procession through Northwest Washington, with prayers for separated families and banners calling for justice. His remarks underscored the Catholic Church’s continued push for immigration reform and its message that protecting migrants is both a civic and sacred responsibility.
The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle was filled beyond capacity Sunday evening as hundreds gathered for Mass marking the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. The wooden pews of the historic church in downtown Washington which seats about 1,000 overflowed with worshippers, many of them immigrants and advocates, who came together to pray and march in solidarity with those facing displacement.
The liturgy began in familiar fashion with prayers, readings, and hymns. But the homily quickly took on a sharper tone as Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the Archbishop of Washington, used the pulpit to deliver a message of resistance against recent federal policies.
Gregory denounced what he described as a “governmental assault” on immigrants and refugees, saying the nation’s increasing restrictions are not only a political matter but also a moral one. “Our responsibility to welcome the stranger is not optional,” he told the congregation. “It is rooted in our faith, in our history, and in our shared humanity.”
Sunday’s service was part of a larger observance that included a procession through Northwest Washington, where participants carried banners, sang hymns, and prayed for families separated by borders and detention. Organizers said the turnout reflected growing anxiety among immigrant communities over recent federal crackdowns.
Many in attendance noted that the Mass offered both spiritual comfort and a show of public solidarity. “It means so much to see the church standing with us,” said one attendee, who emigrated from Central America more than a decade ago. “At a time when so much feels uncertain, this gives us strength.”
The homily comes amid heightened tensions over U.S. immigration enforcement, with advocates accusing the government of intensifying deportations and limiting asylum access. The Biden administration has defended its approach as necessary to maintain order at the border, while faith leaders and humanitarian groups have urged more compassionate policies.
Gregory, one of the most influential Catholic voices in the country, has repeatedly called for comprehensive immigration reform. His remarks Sunday underscored the church’s longstanding stance that protecting migrants is not only a civic duty but also a sacred one. The event also highlighted the role of Washington’s immigrant faith communities in shaping public dialogue. For many, the Mass served as both a worship service and a rallying cry for dignity and justice.
“Our faith teaches us that borders should never erase the bonds of human family,” Gregory said, urging those in attendance to advocate for migrants in their neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces. As parishioners spilled out of the cathedral into the city streets, the message resonated well beyond the sanctuary: in a time of political division and policy disputes, the church aimed to reaffirm solidarity with migrants not as outsiders, but as part of the nation’s shared community.
FAQ
1. What did Archbishop Wilton Gregory say about immigration policies?
He denounced them as a “governmental assault” on immigrants and refugees, stressing that welcoming the stranger is a moral and faith-based obligation.
2. What was the purpose of the Mass and procession in Washington?
The event marked the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, bringing together immigrants, advocates, and faith leaders to pray, march, and show solidarity with displaced families.
3. How does the Catholic Church view immigration issues?
The church, led by figures like Gregory, has consistently called for comprehensive immigration reform and emphasized that protecting migrants is both a civic duty and a sacred responsibility.