Even as Donald Trump’s approval ratings continue to plummet across the country, voters in the deep-red state of Wyoming, where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by more than six to one, remain solidly in support of the president.

So it took real courage for Bishop Steven Biegler—appointed by Pope Francis in 2017 to lead the Diocese of Cheyenne, encompassing all of Wyoming—to promulgate a pastoral letter on migration just a few months ago. 

Bishop Biegler is keen to point out that Be a Merciful Neighbor is not a political document. 

Instead it asks Catholics to evaluate policies of mass deportation in light of the values of the Gospel—especially Christ’s unequivocal call to welcome the stranger.

On this episode, Bishop Biegler speaks about the letter, and its surprising reception by Wyoming Catholics, with Commonweal Senior Correspondent Heidi Schlumpf. 

Before their interview, Schlumpf also updates listeners on recent news affecting American Catholics.

For further reading: 

Heidi Schlumpf on the Church’s continued fight on behalf of migrants

Pablo Christian Soenen on moral ambiguity in the borderlands

Paul Moses on the evils of immigration enforcement under Tom Homan