Migrants

September 20, 2016

Religious organizations play major role in caring for migrants, refugees, said speakers at U.N.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, speaks during a high-level side event Sept. 19 at the United Nations on the role of religious organizations in responding to the ongoing refugee and migration crisis affecting many areas of the world. Also pictured are Archbishop Bernardito Auza, left, the Vatican's permanent observer to the U.N., and Msgr. Robert J. Vitillo, secretary-general of the International Catholic Migration Commission.

UNITED NATIONS – Religious organizations and local faith communities are longtime key providers of efficient, effective, compassionate aid to migrants and refugees, speakers said at a U.N. program Sept 19.

Published in International

July 7, 2016

Worldwide refugee numbers pass 65 million

Refugee children play on the grounds of a Jesuit Refugee Service community centre in Ethiopia

TORONTO – It’s only a number, but 65.3 million for Martin Mark is a heart-breaking number.

Published in International

May 19, 2016

Do not give in to fear in helping migrants, Pope tells diplomats

Syrian children stand at a fence April 23 at a refugee camp near Gaziantep, Turkey. Pope Francis told diplomats to the Holy See to not fear helping migrants who are in need.

VATICAN CITY – While the international community should continue working for peace in war-torn countries, it also must work to help migrants escaping violence and persecution as well as those caring for them, Pope Francis said.

Published in International