Catholic faith and anti-immigration stance not contradictory, says MEP Bellamy

François-Xavier Bellamy, a Member of the European Parliament and an openly Catholic politician, argues that his stance on combating immigration aligns with his faith, rejecting any perceived contradiction.

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To be able to welcome someone into one's home, one must have a home.

Bellamy, who recently championed a significant tightening of European Union asylum return policies, stated in an interview with La Croix that addressing migration is a "humanitarian priority." He believes the current global migration situation represents a "deep disorder" and that those exploited by smuggling networks, which he described as "the most dangerous mafias of our time," are the primary victims.

He emphasized the need for clear rules to manage migration flows, asserting that the European Union's past passivity has made it complicit in corrupt regimes that "export despair" rather than reforming themselves. Bellamy suggested that establishing clear regulations is essential not only for managing migration but also for enabling the "authentic development" of countries in the EU's vicinity.

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Our world is experiencing a deep disorder on the subject of migration, the first victims of which are all the people exploited by smuggling networks, who are the most dangerous mafias of our time. Getting out of this situation is a humanitarian priority.

Addressing potential divergences with Pope Francis's views on migration, Bellamy acknowledged a difference in perspective regarding border control. While he shares the Pope's view that migrants should not be seen as enemies, Bellamy stressed the importance of having a "home" before one can "welcome someone to one's home." He elaborated that allowing entry without authorization is not feasible and that the Christian virtue of charity requires a decision to welcome, implying a need for controlled borders.

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As always, it is the generalized non-law that generates this violence, and we will only emerge from it by rediscovering clear rules. This is also the key to enabling the authentic development of the countries surrounding us: by remaining passive, the European Union has been complicit for too long with corrupt regimes that export despair so as not to have to reform.

Bellamy also defended his proposed "return regulation," which includes extending detention periods up to twenty-four months in certain cases. He stated the objective is not prolonged detention but to ensure effective returns, including expulsion if necessary and an increase in voluntary departures.

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The Christian virtue of charity consists in opening to the one who knocks at the door, but how is this possible if there is no door?