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Mike Johnson tries to explain the bible to the Pope
Perspective:
Anya Seraphine
House Speaker Mike Johnson has been trying to explain the bible to Pope Leo XIV as part of an escalating dispute between MAGA politicians and the Christian leader over immigration policy. "Sovereign borders are biblical and good and right, and they're just ... it's not because we hate the people on the outside, it's be
House Speaker Mike Johnson's efforts to explain his interpretation of the Bible to Pope Leo XIV reveal a complex and concerning intersection of politics and faith. Johnson has framed his stance on immigration through a biblical lens, suggesting that the maintenance of sovereign borders is divinely mandated. He articulated this viewpoint during a recent press conference, insisting that while kindness and hospitality should characterize individual interactions, the state’s responsibility is to enforce laws that protect its citizens. This perspective aligns with a growing trend among certain political leaders who leverage religious texts to justify exclusionary policies, often sidelining the voices of those most affected by such measures.
Q: Pope Leo cited Matthew 25:35 to critique Donald Trump's mass deportation agenda. How would you respond to Pope Leo in scripture?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 3, 2026
MIKE JOHNSON: Sovereign borders are biblical and right and just. It's not because we hate the people on the outside. It's because we love the… pic.twitter.com/eS4A5dtXRt
The Pope, however, has taken a markedly different position, emphasizing the scriptural call to treat foreigners with dignity and compassion. His recent remarks challenge the dehumanizing rhetoric often employed in political discourse, urging a reevaluation of how society treats its most vulnerable members. Leo XIV's statements resonate strongly in a time when immigration remains a divisive issue in the U.S., and they serve as a reminder that faith can also advocate for justice and inclusion. This divergence in interpretation raises vital questions about whose perspectives are being amplified in discussions of morality and governance.
Moreover, the clash between Johnson and the Pope reflects broader cultural tensions surrounding immigration policy. As highlighted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, there is a clear opposition to mass deportations and a call for humane treatment of all individuals, regardless of their legal status. The bishops' statement underscores a critical aspect of Christian teaching that prioritizes empathy and the protection of human dignity, challenging the notion that strict border control is synonymous with moral righteousness. In a society grappling with the implications of immigration, this ongoing debate serves as a crucial lens through which to examine our collective values and the narratives we choose to uphold.