Trafficking in persons and other contemporary forms of enslavement are a worldwide problem that needs to be taken seriously by the international community. It represents one of the most dramatic manifestations of the commercialization of the other, a crime that disfigures both the victims as well as those who carry it out, and a source of shame for humanitythat our authorities and societies must no … Continue reading »

“Let’s welcome migrants with humanity, fraternity and solidarity. Let’s give them a place at our table”, states H. Em. Card. Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ, President of COMECE, on the eve of the 106th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which will be celebrated on Sunday 27 September 2020. In the context of the dramatic events occurring in different areas of the world regarding forced movements of … Continue reading »

In the context of the tragedy occurred in the Moria camp (Lesvos) on Tuesday 8 September 2020, the Bishops of the European Union urge the EU institutions and all Member States to act more swiftly and firmly to finally make the relocation of asylum seekers from the Greek islands a reality. Card. Hollerich: “we need to enhance the common EU asylum policy”. Approximately 13,000 people, … Continue reading »

“The pandemic should not be an excuse to let human beings die in the Mediterranean Sea”, states COMECE General Secretary Fr. Barrios Prieto. Referring to the many migrants who were not promptly and safely disembarked at the closest EU port over the last days, COMECE calls for “a predictable solidarity mechanism agreed among EU member states”. COMECE shares the concerns recently expressed by the Maltese … Continue reading »

COMECE calls EU members states to show generosity in accepting the relocation of asylum seekers from Greek islands, minimising the risk of Covid-19 infection among them and providing adequate health treatment to those already infected. “We are in our homes, afraid. I also think of the most vulnerable: how it must feel for those who are in refugee camps, who have nothing, not even medicine … Continue reading »

COMECE First Vice-President H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata (Italy) will concelebrate today, Sunday 29 September 2019 at 10h30, the Holy Mass presided by Pope Francis on the occasion of the 2019 World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR). The theme for this important day of prayer and action is “It is not just about migrants”. In the context of globalization of “indifference”, the Holy Father explained … Continue reading »