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Pope Urges Care and Support for Migrants

Source: Catholic Review

Pope Francis urged a Scalabrinian audience on 28 October to provide care and support to people on the move. “Migrants teach us to hope,” he said. The Holy Father condemned those in rich countries who “hoard their wealth” and see migrants as a threat or even take advantage of their vulnerability.

New Oceania Network to Support Migrants and Refugees

Source: Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay

Bishop Anthony Randazzo of Broken Bay, Australia, announced the creation of the Migrant and Refugee Oceania Network to support migrants and refugees across the region. The network aims to unify, address urgent challenges, and elevate regional voices through advocacy and collaboration.

Germany: Call to Tone Down Migration Debate, Support Integration

Source: Katholisch.de

The German Episcopal lead on migration has criticized the “heated asylum debate” that is pushing policies that disregard people’s rights and dignity. Archbishop Stefan Hesse urged greater support for integration, including into the labor market, and more effective backing of host municipalities.

Hispaniola Bishops Object to Deportation of Haitian Migrants

Source: Catholic News Agency

Bishops in Haiti and the Dominican Republic have spoken out against plans by the newly elected president of the DR to deport Haitian migrants with irregular status. Though recognizing the state’s right to manage its borders, both Episcopal Conferences said migrants’ rights must be respected.

Irish Bishops Urge “Culture of Encounter” to Welcome Migrants

Source: Crux

Irish Bishops have called for the Irish to remember their own history of migration and welcome migrants in a “culture of encounter” that goes beyond “polite tolerance.” Their statement “A Hundred Thousand Welcomes?” points to the hospitality of the Church and the contributions people on the move bring.

Refugee Small Business Owners Receive Support from PNG Bishops

Source: CBCPNGSI

The Catholic Bishops' Conference in Papua New Guinea launched support for small businesses run by West Papuan refugees in Port Moresby. Part of a joint project with ICMC, the initiative aims to “ensure that every person is seen with dignity,” said Jason Siwat of the Episcopal migrant desk.

Indian Bishops Launch Digital Portal to Support Migrants

Source: The Catholic World Report

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India launched a digital tool to connect migrants with services at the diocesan level regardless of location. “The portal will enable the Church to accompany migrants in a more meaningful way,” said Father Jaison Vadassery of the Episcopal migrant commission.

U.S. Bishops Praise Expansion of Refugee Resettlement in 2025

Source: Catholic News Agency

U.S. Bishops commended the Biden Administration’s expansion of the U.S. refugee resettlement program with an admissions target of 125,000 in FY2025. Migration lead Bishop Mark J. Seitz also lifted up refugee accompaniment efforts by Catholics. “This is part of what it means to ‘love thy neighbor’.”

U.S. Bishops Welcome Message of World Day of Migrants and Refugees

Source: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

Bishop Mark J. Seitz of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has welcomed Pope Francis' message for the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, celebrated on 29 September. "Pope Francis emphasizes that every encounter with migrants is an encounter with Christ”, he said. “He urges us to respond with compassion."

Spain: Need to “De-Ideologize” Discourse Around Migration

Source: Omnes

The World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2024 focuses on human dignity, Father Xabier Gómez, head of the Spanish Episcopal migration department, reflected while introducing resources to mark the day. “People on the move are Christ himself on the way,” he said and noted a need to “de-ideologize” migration.

Respond to Migrants with Compassion, Say U.S. Bishops

Source: Today’s Catholic

U.S. Bishops echoed Pope Francis’ call for solidarity in a message ahead of the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. “Every encounter with migrants is an encounter with Christ,” Bishop Mark J. Seitz said, urging Catholics to “respond with compassionate acts of love” to people on the move.

Canary Islands Bishop welcomes planned visit of Pope Francis

Source: La Razón (Spanish)

Bishop José Mazuelos, Bishop of the Canary Islands in Spain, has welcomed Pope Francis’ desire to visit the diocese and witness the situation created by the arrival of thousands of migrants by sea. “It would move everyone's conscience and make them take this global crisis seriously”, he said.

Filipino Bishops Continue Support for Migrant Workers, Families

Source: Veritas PH (Filipino)

The Church in the Philippines continues to support Filipino seafarers and migrant workers abroad, according to a recent Radio Veritas interview. The head of the Episcopal migrant commission noted that this includes assistance to migrant workers’ families in the Philippines via diocesan ministries.

Australian Bishops Publish Resources for Global Migrant Day

Source: Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne

Australian Bishops have published resources to support parishes, schools, and other Catholic communities in marking the World Day of Refugees and Migrants this year. The director of the Episcopal migrant office said that Catholics are invited to unite with Pope Francis in prayer and action.

Pope Calls for Legal Pathways, Justice-Based Migration Governance

Source: Vatican News

Pushing back migrants “is a grave sin,” Pope Francis said at a recent General Audience, noting that many migrant deaths in the Mediterranean could have been prevented. The Holy Father called for expanded safe and legal pathways and global migration governance rooted in justice and solidarity.

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ICMC provides assistance and protection to vulnerable people on the move and advocates for sustainable solutions for refugees and migrants.