Citing the Gospel, Pope Francis says migrants 'must be welcomed' and ‘integrated’

When addressing the challenges of global mass migration, Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of embracing, supporting, and integrating migrants, drawing inspiration from the teachings of the Gospel. As countries around the world, including Europe and the United States, grapple with managing the influx of migrants, the pontiff remains a vocal supporter of asylum seekers, refugees, and individuals seeking better economic opportunities.

The Pope acknowledges the harsh realities faced by many migrants, describing their experiences as a “drama of forced migration.” He highlights the perilous voyages undertaken by migrants across the sea in pursuit of a more promising future, a journey that all too often ends in tragedy.

During a recent address to an Italian pro-immigrant organization known as “ResQ,” Pope Francis lamented the precarious position of vulnerable migrants who are frequently subjected to exploitation, rejection, abuse, and even forced into slavery as they embark on their uncertain journeys.

Pope Francis and migrants.

Pope Francis has cited the Gospel while calling for migrants to be “welcomed, encouraged and integrated” as Europe and the United States struggle to cater to unprecedented levels of global mass migration. (Alessandra Benedetti – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images, left, and John Moore/Getty Images, right.)

Pope Francis speaking

Pope Francis speaking about migrants on Wednesday.  (AP)

“Indeed, the rescue of those in danger of sinking in miserable vessels… is a very necessary task,” the Pope said. “The action pursued by your organization aims to save lives: the lives of people fleeing from places where serious conflicts rage, often triggering humanitarian crises and also involving the violation of fundamental human rights.”

“Dear friends, keep going forward! May Mary, help[er] of migrants, assist you in your work. I bless you and I accompany you with prayer.”

It is difficult to get an exact number of the number of migrants who have left their countries of origin throughout the crisis due to a lack of comparable data in many regions in the world. The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates a record 6.5 million migrant immigrants moved to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries in 2023, a jump of 10% compared to 2022.

Total net migration during the Biden administration is likely to exceed 8 million people, a recent New York Times report confirmed, citing Congressional Budget Office data. The crisis has squeezed federal, state and local finances. 

It’s not the first time the pope has called on countries to open their borders to migrants. 

Arizona-Immigrants-December-2023

Immigrants line up at a remote U.S. Border Patrol processing center after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border on Dec. 7, 2023, in Lukeville, Arizona.  (John Moore/Getty Images)

At a gathering in the Vatican last year, he praised an initiative that created so-called “humanitarian corridors,” for refugees to travel into Europe safely.  

“Safe, orderly, regular and sustainable migration is in the interest of all countries,” Pope Francis said. 

The Sant’Egidio Catholic charity, the Federation of Evangelical Churches and the Waldensian Church spearheaded the ecumenical humanitarian transfer initiative in Italy, which has brought more than 6,000 people to Europe from 2016 to 2023. 

Under the program, aid workers identify asylum candidates in refugee camps and process initial paperwork to bring them into Italy on humanitarian grounds. Once they arrive, they are then provided with assistance to settle and apply for asylum.

The Catholic Church teaches that secular governments have two obligations to balance when dealing with immigration and outsiders seeking refugee status within their borders.

These duties are outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the definitive document outlining the church’s doctrines on theological and social issues.

The first duty is to “welcome the foreigner out of charity and respect for the human person,” due to the fact that human beings “have the right to immigrate and thus government must accommodate this right to the greatest extent possible, especially financially blessed nations.”

The second duty, based on secular governments’ obligation to care for their citizens and maintain a healthy society, is “to secure one’s border and enforce the law for the sake of the common good.” 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like
Biden seems to take credit for Assad's downfall amid fears of Islamic State revival

Biden claims responsibility for the fall of Assad as concerns about the resurgence of the Islamic State grow

JERUSALEM — The rapid-fire collapse of the Syrian dictatorship of Bashar Assad…
Another Chance Church, Salvation Army low on toy drive, other donations as Wells Fargo survey shows drop in holiday giving

Low Donations for Toy Drive and the Salvation Army at Another Chance Church, Wells Fargo Survey Shows Decrease in Holiday Giving

CHICAGO (WLS) — Organizations told ABC7 that giving a child in need…
Doctors warn cooking oil used by millions may be fueling explosion of colon cancers in young people

Cooking Oil Linked to Increasing Rates of Colon Cancer in Young People, Doctors Caution

Certain types of cooking oils may be fueling a surge of colon…
Hannah Kobayashi found after Mexico border crossing in month-long disappearance, family says

Family of Missing Woman, Hannah Kobayashi, Discovers Her Following Month-Long Absence at Mexico Border

Hannah Kobayashi, who had been missing in Hawaii, has been confirmed to…
Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner, 73, diagnosed with incurable cancer weeks before Theresa Nist split

73-year-old Gerry Turner, known as the Golden Bachelor, receives an incurable cancer diagnosis shortly before breaking up with Theresa Nist

Golden Bachelor star Gerry Turner has revealed he was diagnosed with incurable…
Violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua spreads to one of America’s most remote states

Venezuelan Gang Tren de Aragua Expands to a Remote U.S. State

Recently, the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua has extended its reach…
Venezuelan national and Tren de Aragua gang member arrested in Trump’s backyard

Venezuelan Tren de Aragua Gang Member Arrested Near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Estate

A Venezuelan national suspected of being a member of the Tren de…
Former New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo's sexual harassment accuser drops federal lawsuit

The person who accused ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment withdraws federal legal action

Court records show that the former staff member who accused former New…
'Golden Bachelor' star Gerry Turner shares cancer diagnosis

Gerry Turner from ‘Golden Bachelor’ reveals battle with cancer

“Golden Bachelor” star Gerry Turner is opening up about being diagnosed with…
UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting suspect Luigi Mangione appeared to discuss spine issues on Reddit

It seems that the man suspected of shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Luigi Mangione, talked about back problems on Reddit.

Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, seemed…
Mitch McConnell clings onto aide as he walks into Senate with injuries to his face and wrist after scary fall

Mitch McConnell’s aide supports him as he enters the Senate with injuries to his face and wrist following a frightening fall

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is facing calls to retire after being pictured…
ABC7 Chicago meteorologist Greg Dutra takes early cruise on Disney Treasure ship to show Chicagoans what to expect

Preview of Disney Treasure ship voyage with ABC7 Chicago meteorologist Greg Dutra gives Chicago residents a sneak peek of the upcoming cruise

CHICAGO (WLS) — ABC7 Chicago meteorologist Greg Dutra took an early sail…