INCLUSION OF MIGRANTS

  

Cardinal Czerny: inclusion of migrants is key for the future

The Vatican Undersecretary for Migrants and Refugees speaks at the inauguration of the exhibition “Volti al Futuro” which was launched Tuesday by the Rome-based Astalli Centre for refugees on the occasion of its 40th anniversary

By Lisa Zengarini

The future of humanity passes through the social inclusion of migrants, building peace and social dialogue, Cardinal Michael Czerny said on Tuesday on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Rome-based Astalli Centre, the seat of the Italian Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). The Undersecretary for Migrants and Refugees for the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development was speaking at the inauguration of the exhibition “Volti al futuro” (“Faces toward the Future”) at the Church of St. Andrew on the Quirinal Hill in Rome. In his remarks, the Vatican Prelate recalled how the then Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Father Pedro Arrupe, was spurred to found JRS and the Centro Astalli in 1980-1981 by the plight of Vietnamese boat-people.

He noted how his far-sighted idea was a concrete response to the crisis inspired by the Holy Spirit through discernment. The same discernment, Cardinal Czerny pointed out, is needed in today’s challenging times of COVID-19 in which humanity is offered a unique opportunity to change.

We cannot remain indifferent

“The pandemic,” he said, “has made us more aware of the concrete impact that our choices, decisions and actions have on the life of those who live miles away from us often causing them more suffering, rather than well-being and progress”. However, “for awareness to produce change, a clear and decisive assumption of responsibility is necessary.”  “We cannot remain indifferent” in the face of the pain and the wounds of the present world, Cardinal Czerny said. “We must allow ourselves to be questioned by the Holy Spirit”, which over the last 40 years “has continued to speak, even to shout, through the lives of wounded women and men fleeing conflict, climate change and poverty.”

Accompanying, serving, defending

The response suggested by Father Arrupe in 1981 is “accompanying, serving and defending” and this has been done by “so many women and so many men who, even at the Centro Astalli, have stood by people in the existential peripheries of history,” Cardinal Czerny further noted.

Approaching refugees as people

Echoing Pope Francis’ introductory remarks at the inauguration, the Cardinal said this work is a concrete “sign of hope” for our wounded world, which needs action, rather than “theoretical recipes”.  “We need to plan and walk together. However to do this,” he remarked, “we must truly approach refugees as people, learn about their life and understand their points of view.”  The challenge awaiting humanity in the future is therefore that of promoting "a culture of encounter which encourages more inclusive and supportive communities, walking toward an ever greater we," Cardinal Czerny concluded.

Building open and supportive communities

The inauguration of the exhibition was also attended by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, Vicar of Pope Francis for the Diocese of Rome and local authorities.  Featuring in the exhibit, which runs until 28 November, are twenty portraits of refugees hosted in the Centre by Italian photographer Francesco Malavolta.

The President of Astalli, Father Camillo Ripamonti, SJ, said that, forty years later, the Centre is committed to continue its efforts toward “building open and supportive communities in which migrants are perceived as a gift”, noting that its volunteers are “credible witnesses of the beauty of meeting refugees.”

Vatican News

 

TOWARDS AN EVER WIDER “WE” - HACIA UN NOSOTROS CADA VEZ MAS GRANDE - VERS UN NOUS TOUJOURS PLUS GRAND

 

 MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS

FOR THE 107th WORLD DAY 

OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES 2021

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Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In the Encyclical Fratelli Tutti, I expressed a concern and a hope that remain uppermost in my thoughts: “Once this health crisis passes, our worst response would be to plunge even more deeply into feverish consumerism and new forms of egotistic self-preservation. God willing, after all this, we will think no longer in terms of ‘them’ and ‘those’, but only ‘us’” (No. 35).

For this reason, I have wished to devote the Message for this year’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees to the theme, Towards An Ever Wider “We”, in order to indicate a clear horizon for our common journey in this world.

The history of this “we”

That horizon is already present in God’s creative plan: “God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply’” (Gen 1:27-28). God created us male and female, different yet complementary, in order to form a “we” destined to become ever more numerous in the succession of generations. God created us in his image, in the image of his own triune being, a communion in diversity.

When, in disobedience we turned away from God, he in his mercy wished to offer us a path of reconciliation, not as individuals but as a people, a “we”, meant to embrace the entire human family, without exception: “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them” (Rev 21:3).

Salvation history thus has a “we” in its beginning and a “we” at its end, and at its centre the mystery of Christ, who died and rose so “that they may all be one” (Jn 17:21). The present time, however, shows that this “we” willed by God is broken and fragmented, wounded and disfigured. This becomes all the more evident in moments of great crisis, as is the case with the current pandemic. Our “we”, both in the wider world and within the Church, is crumbling and cracking due to myopic and aggressive forms of nationalism (cf. Fratelli Tutti, 11) and radical individualism (cf. ibid., 105). And the highest price is being paid by those who most easily become viewed as others: foreigners, migrants, the marginalized, those living on the existential peripheries.

The truth however is that we are all in the same boat and called to work together so that there will be no more walls that separate us, no longer others, but only a single “we”, encompassing all of humanity. Thus I would like to use this World Day to address a twofold appeal, first to the Catholic faithful and then all the men and women of our world, to advance together towards an ever wider “we”.

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EU - BISHOPS CALL FOR SOLIDARITY AND HOPE ON PATH TOWARDS BETTER FUTURE

The Bishops Conferences of Europe highlight the values of solidarity, fraternity and unity as keystones to guiding the continent’s path to a better society.

 FR - DE - IT - ES  

 By Vatican News staff writer

 The Bishops of Europe have addressed a message of hope and a call to solidarity to European Institutions and Member states amid the health crisis that has overwhelmed the world these past months.

In a message released on Wednesday under their umbrella body, COMECE, they reiterated their commitment to the construction of Europe and to its founding values of “solidarity, freedom, inviolability of the human dignity, democracy, rule of law, equality and defence and promotion of human rights.”

Inspired by Christian faith, which “is the ultimate foundation of our hope and universal brotherhood,” the Bishops also reaffirm their will to strive, together with other sister Churches and ecclesial communities, to “build a universal fraternity that leaves no one out.”

The Covid-19 pandemic

Highlighting some of the wide-ranging effects of the Covid-19 health crisis, they noted that the pandemic has shaken many “previous securities and has revealed our vulnerability and our interconnectedness.”

Many, the Bishops noted, were worried that the EU itself “as an economic, political, social and cultural project, was at risk.”

However, propelled by the realization that everyone is in the same boat and we can only save ourselves by staying together, the EU is demonstrating its capacity to rediscover the spirit of the Founding Fathers and is beginning to respond in a united manner. This spirit, the Bishops hope, will be reflected in the Covid-19 recovery instrument and the reinforced EU budget for 2021 – 2027.

A new mindset

The future of the European Union does not depend only on economy and finance, but also on a common spirit and a new mindset, the Bishops stressed.

In this regard, efforts should not be simply devoted to returning to the “old normal.” Instead, the continent must take advantage of the crisis to bring about a “radical change for the better” by rethinking the present models of globalization, guaranteeing respect for the environment, openness to life, social equality, protecting the dignity of workers and the rights of future generations.

The Bishops also pointed out that Pope Francis’ Encyclicals Laudato sí and Fratelli tutti can be a source of inspiration for shaping a new civilization. In Fratelli tutti, the Bishops note, Pope Francis “calls on the whole of humanity to universal brotherhood and social friendship, not forgetting those on the margins, wounded and suffering”. At the same time, the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, with their emphasis on human dignity, solidarity, preferential option for the poor and sustainability, can guide the path to building a different economic model in a post-pandemic society.

Solidarity

COMECE stressed the importance of solidarity as a fundamental principle of the Social Doctrine of the Church as well as being at the core of the European Integration process.

Solidarity, the Bishops said, “is to be understood in terms of ‘doing together’ and as ‘being open to integrate everyone’,” including those on the margins.

In this light, the Bishops appealed for the Covid-19 vaccine, when it becomes available, to be accessible to all, especially to the poor. They also called for increased humanitarian aid and development cooperation, and for military spending to the redirected towards health and social services.

Care for Migrants and refugees

The European Bishops noted that solidarity towards refugees should not only involve funding but extended to include “opening up the borders of the European Union proportionally by each Member State.”

They proposed that the Pact on Migration and Asylum presented by the EU can be a step toward establishing a common and just policy on migration. However, they said, it must also be carefully evaluated. Besides, certain principles and international legal obligations have to be respected “regardless of the persons involved.”

On this issue, the Bishops recommend collaboration with Church institutions and private associations already working in this field.

They further stressed the respect for the freedom of religion of believers, in particular, “the freedom to gather together to exercise their freedom of worship, in full respect of sanitary requirements” during the pandemic.

Post-pandemic society

During these months of pandemic, the Bishops note that they have witnessed “so many signs that open us up to hope,” from the work of health personnel, to caregivers for the elderly and the gestures of ecclesial communities - notwithstanding the difficult moments, including times of suffering, loneliness and sometimes, death.

The Bishops recalled Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi message on Easter Sunday when he noted that Europe was able to rise again and overcome the rivalries of the past after the Second World War. For the Pope, they noted, it is important that “these rivalries do not regain force, but that all recognize themselves as part of a single family and support one another.”

Therefore, whether the world will be better or worse after the crisis, or whether we will come out strengthened in solidarity or not, the depends on us, the Bishops stressed.

Concluding, the European Bishops expressed their hope that Europe can come out from this crisis “stronger, wiser, more united, exercising more solidarity, caring more for our common home, being a continent that pushes the whole world forward towards greater fraternity, justice, peace and equality.”

 Vatican News

THE BISHOPS MESSAGE 

Download the statement in EN - FR - DE - IT - ES  

 

 

UN - ONU - INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY - en-fr- es

All migrants are entitled to equal protection of all their human rights. On this International Day, 

I urge leaders and people everywhere to bring the Global Compact to life, so that migration works for all.

 Tous les migrants ont droit à une égale protection de tous leurs droits fondamentaux. Ces principes sont consacrés dans le Pacte mondial pour des migrations sûres, ordonnées et régulières. (...) En cette Journée internationale, j’exhorte les dirigeants et les populations du monde entier à donner vie au Pacte mondial, de sorte que les migrations soient bénéfiques à tous.

 Todos los migrantes tienen derecho a igual protección de todos sus derechos humanos. En este Día Internacional, insto a los líderes y a las personas de todo el mundo a que den vida al Pacto Mundial, para que la migración funcione para todos.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres

Throughout human history, migration has been a courageous expression of the individual’s will to overcome adversity and to live a better life. Today, globalization, together with advances in communications and transportation, has greatly increased the number of people, who have the desire and the capacity to move to other places.

This new era has created challenges and opportunities for societies throughout the world. It also has served to underscore the clear linkage between migration and development, as well as the opportunities it provides for co-development, that is, the concerted improvement of economic and social conditions at both origin and destination.

Migration draws increasing attention in the world nowadays. Mixed with elements of unforeseeability, emergency, and complexity, the challenges and difficulties of international migration require enhanced cooperation and collective action among countries and regions. The United Nations is actively playing a catalyst role in this area, with the aim of creating more dialogues and interactions within countries and regions, as well as propelling experience exchange and collaboration opportunities.

INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY 

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I WAS A FOREIGN AND YOU WELCOME ME - J'étais un étranger et vous m'avez accueilli - Yo era un extranjero y me recibiste - Ero straniero e mi avete accolto

Pope Francis: "....Among the vulnerable of our time that the international community is called to defend are not only refugees but also migrants. Once again, I appeal to governments to provide assistance to all those forced to emigrate on account of the scourge of poverty and various forms of violence and persecution, as well as natural catastrophes and climatic disturbances, and to facilitate measures aimed at permitting their social integration in the receiving countries. Efforts also need to be made to prevent individuals from being constrained to abandon their families and countries, and to allow them to return safely and with full respect for their dignity and human rights. All human beings long for a better and more prosperous life, and the challenge of migration cannot be met with a mindset of violence and indifference, nor by offering merely partial solutions...."

Papa Francesco: "... Tra i deboli del nostro tempo che la comunità internazionale è chiamata a difendere ci sono, insieme ai rifugiati, anche i migranti. Ancora una volta desidero richiamare l’attenzione dei Governi affinché si presti aiuto a quanti sono dovuti emigrare a causa del flagello della povertà, di ogni genere di violenza e di persecuzione, come pure delle catastrofi naturali e degli sconvolgimenti climatici, e affinché si facilitino le misure che permettono la loro integrazione sociale nei Paesi di accoglienza. Occorre poi che ci si adoperi perché le persone non siano costrette ad abbandonare la propria famiglia e nazione, o possano farvi ritorno in sicurezza e nel pieno rispetto della loro dignità e dei loro diritti umani. Ogni essere umano anela a una vita migliore e più felice e non si può risolvere la sfida della migrazione con la logica della violenza e dello scarto, né con soluzioni parziali.... "

Pape François: " .... Parmi les personnes vulnérables de notre temps que la communauté internationale est appelée à défendre, il y a également, avec les réfugiés, les migrants. Encore une fois je désire attirer l’attention des gouvernements, afin qu’ils viennent en aide à ceux qui ont dû émigrer en raison du fléau de la pauvreté, de toute sorte de violence et de persécutions, comme aussi des catastrophes naturelles et des bouleversements climatiques, et afin que soient facilitées les mesures qui permettent leur intégration sociale dans les pays d’accueil. Il faut ensuite qu’on s’emploie à ce que les personnes ne soient pas contraintes d’abandonner leur propre famille et nation, ou puissent y retourner en sécurité et dans le plein respect de leur dignité et de leurs droits humains. Chaque être humain aspire à une vie meilleure et plus heureuse et ne peut se résoudre au défi de la migration avec la logique de la violence et du rejet, ni avec des solutions partielles. ... "

Papa Francisco: " .....Entre los débiles de nuestro tiempo que la comunidad internacional está llamada a defender están también los migrantes y los refugiados. Una vez más, deseo llamar la atención de los gobiernos para que se ayude a quienes han emigrado a causa del flagelo de la pobreza, de todo tipo de violencia y persecución, así como de los desastres naturales y el cambio climático, y para que se tomen las medidas que permitan su integración social en los países de acogida. Es necesario asegurar que las personas no se vean obligadas a dejar sus familias y naciones, o que puedan regresar de manera segura, siendo respetada su dignidad y derechos humanos. Todo ser humano anhela una vida mejor y más feliz, y no se puede resolver el desafío de la migración con la lógica de la violencia y del descarte, ni con soluciones parciales....."

Link: 
                             ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS 
       TO THE MEMBERS OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS ACCREDITED TO THE HOLY SEE 

 

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UNESCO - MIGRANT, REFUGEEE CHILDREN DO NOT GET EQUAL OPPURTINITIES IN EDUCATION

The 2019 GEM Report continues its assessment of progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on education and its ten targets, as well as other related education targets in the SDG agenda.

Its main focus is on the theme of migration and displacement. It presents evidence on the implications of different types of migration and displacement for education systems but also the impact that reforming education curricula and approaches to pedagogy and teacher preparation can have on addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by migration and displacement. It gives voice to experiences in host and home communities.

With the help of case studies, it illustrates approaches which work and could be scaled up. In this way, it aims to be a tool for practitioners. It will make the case for investing in education of good quality in rural areas suffering from depopulation and in slum areas suffering from large population inflows; in countries with high rates of emigration and those with high rates of immigration; in short-term refugee emergencies and in protracted crises. Its analysis, conclusions and recommendations advance the aims of SDG 4 and its call to leave no one behind. 

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THIS ECONOMIC SYSTEM HAS MADE AN IDOL OF MONEY

Pope: Interview with Italian business daily "Il Sole 24 Ore"

EN - IT- ES - FR -D 

In a wide-ranging interview with Italian national business newspaper, Il Sole 24 Ore, Pope Francis engages with a variety of issues, including: economics, the environment, migrants, Europe, and peace.

By Christopher Wells

The interview with Il Sole 24 Ore revolves largely around socio-economic issues, with a strong focus on the common good. Without denying the importance of individual effort, Pope Francis emphasizes that a community can only grow as a whole people; “social life,” he says, “is not constituted by the sum of individualities, but by the growth of a people.”

Real growth in the community. He says that real growth can occur in a community when we “make room to welcome everyone’s collaboration.” Real growth, he continues, is result “of relationships sustained by tenderness and mercy,” rather than an exclusive focus on success that can lead to “exclusions and waste.”

Pope Francis takes the opportunity to clarify what he means by waste: “It is not simply a phenomenon recognized as the action of exploitation and oppression, but a truly new phenomenon.” The action of exclusion doesn’t simply deprive people of power or wealth, but actually rejects them, throws them out, casts them out of society.”

A person-friendly ethics. This, he says, is why we need a “person-friendly ethics,” which he says can become a “strong stimulus for conversion.” This kind of “person-friendly ethics” can help bridge the gap between profit driven, and non-profit enterprises.

The Holy Father explains that behind every economic activity lies a human person, and insists that the human person must be at the centre of how we think of the economy. “It is work that gives dignity to man, not money.” He identifies a focus on money and profit as a consequence of an economic system “that is no longer capable of creating jobs.”

The human person at the centre.  This economic system, the Pope says, has made an idol of money; but it can be opposed by a system that puts people and family at the centre. He explains that an innovative focus on the greater good, the good of the community as a whole, is ultimately better for companies than an exclusive focus on profit.

In fact, a healthy overall economy, Pope Francis says, “is never disconnected from the meaning of what is produced; and economic activity is always also an ethical fact. He points to the teaching of Pope Leo XIII that free trade is not sufficient of itself to ensure justice; and says that what Leo said of individual contracts is also true of international trade. Quoting Bd Paul VI, Pope Francis says, “Free trade can be called just only when it conforms to the demands of social justice.”

Work and the dignity of the person. Asked about the feeling, experienced by many people, that work is a burden, “an unbearable routine,” Pope Francis says that everyone realizes that it is better to have a job than to not work. Working, he says, “is good because it is linked to the dignity of the person, to his ability to take responsibility for himself and others.” He also describes “the high spiritual meaning” of work, by which, he says, “we give continuity to creation by respecting it and taking care of it.”

Environment. Pope Francis also speaks on a number of other issues in his interview. He calls on Companies to pay more attention to “Working to build the common good”. Noting that most Companies provide professional and technical training, he suggests they do the same with regard to values. “We have reached the limits of what we call our common home”, he says, to the point that we are planning to colonize new planets. “Humanity is no longer the custodian of the earth but a tyrant exploiter.” That is why, whenever we talk about the environment, we are really talking about humanity: “Environmental degradation and human degradation go hand in hand,” says the Pope. “Ecological consciousness needs new ways of living that build a harmonious future, promote integral development, and reduce inequality.” Pope Francis cites his Encyclical Laudato sì, when he confirms that, in order to guarantee resources for future generations, we need to “limit the use of non-renewable resources, moderate consumption, reuse and to recycle.”

 Migrants. Pope Francis acknowledges the challenge posed by migrants, especially to those who living in affluent countries: “Yet there is no peaceful future for humanity except in the acceptance of diversity, solidarity, in thinking of humanity as one family.” he states. Hope is what unites those who leave their homes with those who welcome them. Hope is what drives us to “share the journey of life,” he says, encouraging us not to be afraid “to share hope.” We need to stop talking about numbers, and start talking about people.

Europe. “Europe needs hope and a future,” says Pope Francis. “We never stop being witnesses of hope, we widen our horizons without consuming ourselves in the preoccupation of the present.” Returning to the issue of migration, the Pope recalls the importance of migrants being “respectful of the culture and laws of their host country” so as to favor integration and overcome fear and worry. “I also entrust these responsibilities to the prudence of governments,” he says, “so that they may find common ways to give dignified welcome to our many brothers and sisters who call for help.”

Peace. The interview concludes with Pope Francis referencing his Message for the World Day of Peace this year in which he outlines what he calls “four milestones for action: welcome, protect, promote and integrate.” It is always important that our projects and proposals be inspired by “compassion, vision and courage,” he says, “so as to seize every opportunity to advance the construction of peace.” This is the only way to ensure that “the necessary realism of international politics does not surrender itself to disinterest and the globalization of indifference.”

 Le Pape au Sole 24 Ore: «Les vraies richesses viennent du travail qui crée de la dignité»

Papa Francesco: L'economia al servizio dello sviluppo integrale 

Papst: „Migranten sind eine große Herausforderung für alle“

 El dinero verdadero se hace con el trabajo que crea dignidad y más trabajo

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