Bishop Pohlmeier: “Jesus commands us to see the person first”

In a recent statement, Bishop Erik T. Pohlmeier of St. Augustine, FL, reminds the members of his diocese that the immigration debate must not be reduced to political sides. As followers of Christ, he writes, we are called to approach this issue from the heart of the Gospel, not from partisan lines.

Pax Christi USA affirms the bishop’s call for policies — including those affecting immigration —that are rooted in compassion and respect for human dignity.

Below are excerpts of his August 4 statement. Use this link to read the entire statement at the Diocese of St. Augustine website.

… I released a statement in February that suggests ways to look at policy affecting immigration. Since then, the issue has only intensified. I feel compelled to speak again because I find that many Catholics respond to their bishops along political party lines rather than from the heart of the Gospel. …

Jesus speaks clearly about caring for our neighbor and welcoming the stranger. As followers of Christ, we cannot set these truths aside when considering policies that shape modern society.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, (paragraph 1902), quotes St. Thomas Aquinas: “A human law has the character of law to the extent that it accords with right reason, and thus derives from eternal law.” Eternal law requires a hierarchy of truths to properly guide the laws that govern our world. I ask each person of faith to reflect on those foundational truths before forming opinions about immigration.

Decisions about detention centers and immigration policy must begin with an understanding of human dignity and compassion. Jesus identifies himself with the prisoner and demands that his followers practice a higher standard of charity—one that surpasses politics.

Each of us must look in the mirror and ask whether our standard for compassion reflects the Gospel … Even when laws must be enforced, charity must not be abandoned. If our compassion falters, we fall short of the Gospel.

If our first question about an immigrant is, “Do they have legal papers?” we are failing to see the face of Christ. In every person, we must begin with the recognition that they are made in the image and likeness of God. This is the foundation of human dignity, which is never lost—not even by those who reject that image in themselves. Only with this foundation can we shape laws that reflect God’s eternal law.

When our hearts are rooted in Christ’s love and our foundational truths are grounded, we can then assess what just laws should look like. Yes, nations have a right and duty to protect their borders and address violence and conflict. But those laws always impact people, and that demands an understanding of human dignity. … Every person deserves compassion, and special attention must be given to the poor and vulnerable. …

We must apply this standard to immigration. The temptation is to begin by justifying stronger efforts to remove those who entered this country illegally. But that cannot be the starting point for Christians. Jesus commands us to see the person first, and then consider laws that allow the person to thrive. There is a line between removing those who intend harm and those who seek a better life. We must find that line—for the good of society and in faithfulness to the Gospel. This does not mean open borders, but it does mean laws that reflect the dignity of every person. …

Jesus calls us to sacrificial love—the kind he practiced on the cross. That is the highest value. And in a broken world, we are called to be its light.

Most Rev. Erik T. Pohlmeier
Bishop of St. Augustine
August 4, 2025