Migration is a complex issue that has generated xenophobia, even in traditionally Catholic countries, Pope Francis says. Speaking to an International Federation of Universities conference, Francis reflected on the conference theme “Refugees and Migrants in a Globalized World: Responsibilities and Responses of Universities”. He said there is an urgent need “to do further studies into Read more
Callista Gingrich is the United States’ new ambassador-designate to Rome, according to a statement from the US Embassy to the Holy See. The Senate confirmed her election with a vote of 70-23. News sources say Gingrich is a practising Catholic. She is the third wife of former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich who is Read more
From the very first moments of his pontificate, Jorge Bergoglio signalled a departure in style from that of his immediate predecessors. His taking of the name Francis, his eschewing the full papal vestments, and his appeal to the masses gathered in Saint Peter’s Square below to pray for him, before imparting his own blessing, all Read more
Catholics resisting the acceptance of migrants and refugees into their communities is a worrying trend says Pope Francis. To help counter this, at his weekly audience on Wednesday Francis launched a two-year education campaign “Share the Journey” which is about the plight of migrants. Aimed especially at countering mounting anti-immigrant sentiment in the US and Read more
The experiences of migrants and refugees are addressed in an annual summit hosted by AUT’s Immigration and Inclusion Research Group. This year a range of speakers will be tackling the workplace. AUT’s University Director of Diversity, Edwina Pio is bringing together AUT stakeholders for her third diversity summit, this year exploring ‘Ethnicity in the workspace’. Read more
Rome authorities are looking into whether refugees, migrants and other homeless people can be accommodated in houses confiscated from the mafia. City officials are mapping the confiscated real estate to see if any of it is suitable for temporary housing. The first census of 200,000 potentially available apartments is due by the end of October, Read more
Pope Francis is challenging countries to open borders to refugees and put asylum seekers’ safety over national security concerns. His challenge to politicians, made in a detailed position paper on migrants and refugees, is at odds with the policies various governments have introduced to deal with growing anti-immigrant sentiment. Francis isn’t just tackling the movement Read more
In a Stuff/Massey University election survey respondents said people coming to New Zealand are not adapting to the way of life here. Pope Francis addresses this question in his statement for next year’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees In this statement, which was released this week, Francis says receiving nations need to do more need to do Read more
All Catholics should meet a migrant or refugee and listen to their story, Pope Francis says. To help everyone on their way with this, in late September he will be launching a “Share the Journey” campaign. Caritas Internationalis are leading this two year programme which promotes encounters between people on the move and people living Read more
Pope Francis is full of praise for an online web portal initiative, InfoMigrants.net. which is specifically aimed at providing news and information targeted at migrants. “I am close with affection and encouragement to those institutions, associations and individuals who open up wisely to the migratory phenomenon with interventions of support, bearing witness to the human Read more