PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. – Donald Trump supporters in South Carolina on Friday were unmoved by Pope Francis’s comments the day before that were widely interpreted as a criticism of the Republican front-runner’s Christian values.
“A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian,” the pope told journalists asking his opinion on Trump’s controversial plan to stop illegal immigration at the Mexican border.
A papal spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, told Vatican Radio Friday that Pope Francis’ comments were “in no way a personal attack or an indication of how to vote.”
Trump, hearing of the Vatican’s added context, said the statement was “beautiful.” When the story first broke on Thursday, Trump said, “No leader, especially a religious leader, should have the right to question another man’s religion or faith.”
Outside of Trump rallies in Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island, South Carolina voters took the side of the Republican frontrunner.
“I think he was totally out of line – not Trump – the pope was,” said Debbie Best, 53, a retired bank worker from Murrell’s Inlet, S.C. “If he believes in God, that’s all I care about.”
Jeremy Albright, a 32-year-old car dealer standing behind her in line, chimed in to concur. “If you need a doctor, you don’t care if he goes to your church, you just want the best one,” he said.
Retired Pawleys Island realtor Brenda Graybill said that no one, not even the pope, has the right to question another person’s faith.
“I think Trump is as much of a Christian as anyone else,” Graybill said, “but he’s just, you know, he’s very boisterous. But that’s what we need. That’s what we want. We’re sick of the mealy-mouthed people.”
All three said they were already Trump backers and their votes would not be swayed by the episode.
In fact, Richard Duff, a 79-year-old retired Marine from Pawleys Island, was such an ardent supporter that he was in line for a 3 p.m. rally, despite having undergone surgery for carpal tunnel at 1 p.m.
“My wife told me, ‘you go home and go to bed,’ and I said, ‘no, I’m going to see Trump,’” Duff said. He added, “The pope should stay out of politics.”
Got something to say about what you're reading? We value your feedback!