A senior adviser to Pope Francis has said he is worried about the anti-Muslim rhetoric of presumptive US Republican Party candidate Donald Trump.
In an interview with RTÉ News, Cardinal Seán O’Malley also warned against scapegoating Muslims following this week’s atrocity in Nice and other terrorist attacks on the west.
Speaking in Knock, Co Mayo, the cardinal recalled that the Irish were once blamed for America’s ills.
And he urged Catholics to heed the advice of Pope Francis to strengthen dialogue with Muslims.
“It’s very easy to stir up resentment and to blame groups of people.
“I think immigration is such an important issue, requires a lot of reflection. It requires people with wisdom to come together and talk about what is best for the common good.”
He continued: “All of us need just immigration laws and a way of dealing with immigration that will not dehumanise people”.
Cardinal O’Malley was in Mayo for the re-dedication of the basilica of Our Lady of Knock after a €9m refurbishment.
Mr Trump has suggested Muslims should be barred from entering the US.