In the midst of a deadly government crackdown on its own citizens in Nicaragua, mounting tensions in Venezuela, and a crisis of family separation at the U.S.-Mexico border, several thousand delegates from across the Americas gathered in Bolivia last weekend to discuss how “The Joy of the Gospel” can evangelize a wounded Church.
Pope Francis has kicked off a two-year “Share the Journey” campaign to encourage Catholics to break down barriers of fear and build bridges with migrants and refugees. In response, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is calling for a National Week of Prayer, Oct. 7-14.
With millions of people fleeing violence, persecution and poverty around the globe, individual nations must expand options that make it possible for migrants and refugees to cross their borders safely and legally, Pope Francis said.
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,
Recently, Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, of the Diocese of Austin, Texas, and chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration, of which I am a member, sent a letter to all of the Senators of the U.S., which perfectly sums up, I believe, the position of the Church on immigration matters. One particular section is worth sharing with you.
