Jesuit Father James Martin has criticized the US Supreme Court’s ruling, which declared that former presidents have immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken while in office. In a 6-3 decision, the court decided that presidents are entitled to absolute immunity for official acts. However, they do not enjoy immunity for unofficial acts.
Father Martin, a Democrat, warned on Twitter that this ruling could enable the president to order the execution of his political enemies, describing it as a departure from the principles of a Christian or Catholic court. The priest has previously criticized harsh language used by some Catholic prelates and priests to describe the Democratic Party and its pro-abortion stance. He maintains that pro-abortion Catholic politicians have the right to receive Holy Communion.
Father Martin’s views on political figures are well-known. In 2020, he declared that then-president Donald Trump represented a “unique threat to the Constitution” and should not be reelected. The editors of America magazine, a Jesuit publication, also expressed concerns about Trump’s impact on the constitutional order.
The Supreme Court’s decision has been met with mixed reactions from religious figures like Father Martin. While some argue that it is unjust to deny homeless people access to public spaces and shelter, others believe that the court should not be expected to enforce religious principles or norms.