From Nazis to Now: Churches Revive Historic Role as Sanctuaries Amid U.S. Crackdown – Pope Calls US Immigration Actions ‘Disgraceful’
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Chicago, IL – From hiding Jewish families during the Holocaust to sheltering refugees in the 1980s, churches have long been sanctuaries in times of crisis. Now, as the U.S. intensifies immigration enforcement, these sacred spaces are stepping into their historic role once again, protecting immigrant families at risk of detention. Pope Francis, weighing in on the situation, has condemned the U.S. immigration crackdown, calling it a “disgrace” and urging compassion for the most vulnerable.
During World War II, churches across Europe defied Nazi authorities by hiding Jews, often at great personal risk. Decades later, the Sanctuary Movement of the 1980s saw U.S. churches shield refugees fleeing violence in Central America, defying government policies many viewed as unjust. Today, that same legacy of moral courage is being tested as religious institutions mobilize to support immigrant families facing deportation.
The recent surge in immigration enforcement follows the rollback of guidelines that once limited operations in sensitive locations, including churches and schools. Despite these changes, many churches have reaffirmed their commitment to offering sanctuary, providing physical shelter, legal aid, and Know Your Rights workshops.
“This is what the Church has always done—stand with the marginalized,” said a pastor in Chicago, where several congregations are actively involved in sanctuary efforts. “We cannot ignore our responsibility, even when the stakes are high.”
Pope Francis’ remarks have added moral urgency to the growing crisis. Speaking earlier this week, he criticized U.S. deportation policies, stating, “If true, this will be a disgrace, because it makes the poor wretches who have nothing pay the bill.” His comments have emboldened faith leaders, who say the crackdown contradicts fundamental principles of justice and dignity.
In Chicago, churches are working alongside schools to protect immigrant families. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has reaffirmed its commitment to the city’s Welcoming City Ordinance, which prohibits immigration agents from entering school buildings without a judicial warrant. Educators and sanctuary teams have been trained to respond to enforcement actions while safeguarding students’ rights.
The collaboration between schools and religious institutions reflects a united front against what many see as an unjust targeting of vulnerable families. Churches are creating refuge spaces, while schools provide critical education and legal resources to ensure families are informed of their rights.
The risks for churches, however, are significant. Offering sanctuary to undocumented immigrants could lead to legal repercussions, as enforcement actions in sensitive locations are no longer off-limits. Yet, faith leaders remain undeterred, viewing their actions as a continuation of a long-standing mission.
The fight is not only about sheltering families but also about preserving the principles that have guided churches through history. From Nazi-occupied Europe to the Sanctuary Movement, religious institutions have stood as moral beacons in the face of oppression. Today, as Pope Francis calls for compassion, churches are stepping forward once again, proving that their role as sanctuaries is as relevant now as ever.
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