Vatican, 06/14/2018 – Because of Mexico and the Holy See’s commitment to migration issues, the second colloquium between the two states regarding international migration was organized at the Casina Pio IV, following the first colloquium, held in July 2014, on “International Migration and Development” at the Mexican Chancellery. This event was also a response to Pope Francis’s constant engagement with this topic.

Reflecting on migration’s human dimension in the global context and on migration as a phenomenon in the history of various civilizations, various topics were addressed in discussion from progress on the UN Global Compacts on Migrants and Refugees to the implications of such documents on current migration protocols. The main objective of the initiative: restore migrants’ dignity by protecting their human rights and by ensuring that public opinion of migrants is informed by correct information. All of this being discussed after recognizing the important role of the Catholic Church and of civil society in the welcoming and accompaniment of migrants.

Among others, H.Em Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, Mons. Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, and Under-Secretaries of the Migrants and Refugees Section Fr. Michael Czerny SJ and Fr. Fabio Baggio CS, spoke on behalf of the Holy See.

Pope Francis in his message wrote:

“[…] This demands a change in mindset: we must move from considering others as threats to our comfort
to valuing them as persons whose life experience and values can contribute greatly
to the enrichment of our society.”

Read here the full statement of Fr Michael in English or in Spanish.