Archbishop demands apology from Trump

The Catholic Church in Puerto Rico has strongly condemned derogatory remarks made by a comedian at one of Donald Trump 's election rallies. In a letter to the former US President, the capital's Archbishop Roberto Gonzalez Nieves expressed his outrage at comments made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe. "Puerto Rico is not a floating island of rubbish," the Archbishop of San Juan contradicted a corresponding statement made by the entertainer at the Trump event in New York on Sunday. "Puerto Rico is a beautiful country inhabited by very valuable people."

US territory without voting rights

In addition, more Puerto Rican soldiers died in the US army during the Vietnam War than from any regular US state. The Caribbean island, which was annexed in 1898, is a foreign territory of the USA; Puerto Ricans are allowed to emigrate to the mother country but are not allowed to vote in US presidential elections.

He likes a good joke, but humour has its limits, the archbishop continued. Humour should not insult or denigrate people's dignity. Hinchcliffe's comments, on the other hand, would "not only provoke evil laughter, but hatred. Such comments have no place in a society founded on liberty and justice for all," wrote Archbishop Gonzalez.

Words against brotherhood and the American dream

The comedian's words did not promote a climate of brotherhood and goodwill for people of all ethnicities, skin colours and walks of life - the foundation of the American dream. "These kinds of statements should not be part of the political discourse of a civilised society," warned the clergyman.

Gonzalez called on Trump to apologise personally for the comments: "I respectfully urge him to make it clear that these comments in no way reflect his personal or political views." It is not enough for the campaign team to apologise for these comments: "It is important that you apologise for these comments yourself. May you be blessed with wisdom." The statements about Puerto Rico had caused a media furore not only in the USA. Trump 's campaign team later distanced itself from the statements. (KNA)