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In a rare formal message, the national Catholic bishops organization has delivered a sharp criticism of President Donald Trump's immigration policies.

Formal Statement Reveals Serious Worry

Church leaders voiced being concerned by potential violations of the sanctity of houses of worship and the protected status of healthcare centers and learning establishments.

We recognize that nations have a responsibility to regulate their borders and establish a just and orderly immigration system for the sake of the common good.

Atmosphere of Anxiety

Through their statement, the church leaders described what they labeled "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of targeting" and immigration enforcement.

They stated being disappointed by the present discourse and demonization of foreign nationals, while opposing what they called "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."

Further Issues

The bishops also raised serious worries about:

• Circumstances in immigration detention centers
• Random revocation of official documentation for various foreign nationals
• Lack of meaningful immigration reform

Policy Changes

The White House has advanced an tough immigration approach since taking office, including eliminating policies that limited immigration detentions near designated sites such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.

International Context

The message mirrors comparable criticisms made by the Vatican leader, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way immigrants are being treated in the US under the current administration."

Extended Ramifications

This constitutes the first special message of its nature in over a decade, highlighting the gravity of the church leaders' worries about existing enforcement approaches.