Archbishop Gintaras Grušas, head of the body of Episcopal Conferences of Europe, highlighted efforts of the Church to welcome Ukrainians forcibly displaced by war. Catholics “have committed to giving not only humanitarian aid but also pastoral assistance to those who have fled the country,” he said.

The Mexican Bishops’ Conference’s migrant ministry criticized a lack of coordinated action between different levels of government to improve conditions for people on the move. In a 15 November statement they summarized the current approach as “containment, detention, deportation and militarization.”

After meeting with migrants last week, Pope Francis told Catholics born in wealthy countries that they had a duty to serve those on the move. “Privilege is a debt,” he said, and acknowledged that it could be challenging to leave one’s comfort zone and take action. “Do not be afraid; go forth.”