Pope Francis and the Vatican Walls

 

Critics of Pope Francis' teachings on migration and specifically his stance on building walls to keep migrants out of the country say that he is hypocritical because the Vatican has walls built to keep people out. Is that a valid criticism?

That criticism is often raised, but it oversimplifies the historical and practical realities of the Vatican’s walls and misrepresents Pope Francis' teachings on migration.

1. The Purpose of the Vatican’s Walls

The walls surrounding Vatican City were built primarily in the 9th century by Pope Leo IV as a defense against invading forces, particularly Saracen raiders. They were not constructed to prevent peaceful migrants or asylum seekers from entering, but rather to protect the city from violent attacks. Over the centuries, the Vatican has remained open to pilgrims, visitors, and refugees.

Today, the Vatican’s walls do not serve as a border barrier in the way that national security walls do. There are multiple open entrances, and thousands of people pass freely into St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums daily. Unlike restrictive immigration policies, the Vatican does not prevent people from entering based on nationality, economic status, or other exclusionary factors.

2. Pope Francis’ Teachings on Migration

Pope Francis has consistently spoken about the moral responsibility to welcome migrants, particularly those fleeing war, poverty, and persecution. His concern is not about nations having borders, but about using barriers as a way to deny assistance to those in desperate need. He has criticized the idea of building walls as a response to migration crises, particularly when they symbolize a refusal to engage with human suffering.

The Pope acknowledges that nations have the right to regulate immigration for security and social stability, but he urges governments to do so in a way that upholds human dignity, provides humanitarian aid, and fosters integration rather than exclusion.

3. The Vatican’s Example

Far from being hypocritical, the Vatican has actively assisted migrants and refugees. Under Pope Francis’ leadership:

• The Vatican has sheltered refugees within its walls.
• The Pope has personally taken in asylum seekers, including bringing Syrian refugees back to Rome after a visit to Lesbos.
• The Vatican has called on wealthier nations to increase their efforts in welcoming and integrating migrants.

Conclusion

The argument that Pope Francis is hypocritical for opposing border walls while the Vatican has walls is misleading. The walls of the Vatican were built for medieval defense, not modern immigration control, and they do not prevent people from entering. Meanwhile, Pope Francis’ message is not about open borders, but about ensuring that migration policies respect human dignity and provide for those in need.