Search

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.”

Comprehensive immigration reform would bring about “a more orderly system,” U.S. migration Bishop Mark J. Seitz told CNA during the recent Episcopal assembly. It would also mean tackling drivers of migration by assisting sending countries with increased investment to address instability, he added.

The lead migration Bishop of England and Wales welcomed a court ruling that stops government plans to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda. “This was a policy that ignored the innate human dignity of those seeking sanctuary,” Bishop Paul McAleenan said. He pledged further Church support for migrants.

U.S. migration Bishop Mark J. Seitz has urged Congress to legislate measures offering migrant children in the country more protection following reports of exploitative labor and other harmful situations. “Among migrants, unaccompanied children constitute the most vulnerable group,” he said.