Pope Francis expressed his support for migrants crossing into the United States along the southern border, arguing each migrant’s case should be considered in a humane manner.

Francis shared his thoughts on the southern border when he was asked about the state of Texas and its attempt to shut down a Catholic charity providing aid to migrants along the southern border. The charity the interviewer was referring to was Annunciation House, a nongovernmental organization that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton had accused of facilitating illegal immigration in a February lawsuit.

“That is madness, sheer madness,” Francis said. “To close the border and leave them there, that is madness. The migrant has to be received. Thereafter, you see how you’re going to deal with them. Maybe you have to send them back? I don’t know, but each case ought to be considered humanely, right?”

In March, state district court Judge Francisco Dominguez blocked Paxton’s attempt to investigate Annunciation House and suggested that Paxton’s desire to shut down the organization stemmed from political motivations. He added that there was “credible concern” that Paxton’s attempt to shut down Annunciation House was “predetermined.”

Paxton has since filed an application for a temporary injunction against Annunciation House to stop its conduct in Texas.

The organization has not directly reacted to Francis’s statement, though it did share a story of the pope sharing his thoughts on the situation.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Francis also sparked discussion online when he reaffirmed his support for blessing LGBT people, clarifying that he would bless everyone, including those in same-sex relationships, but would not bless same-sex relationships themselves.

Paxton was acquitted last year by the Texas Senate on all 16 articles of impeachment he was facing, which related to accusations of bribery, disregard of official duty, and dereliction of duty. Over the weekend, former President Donald Trump indicated that Paxton is in the running to be his attorney general, calling him “a very talented guy.”