With queues at the border to Poland up to 15km long the Catholic Church is stepping up to provide humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Among those providing support is the Catholic charity Caritas Australia, who is working directly with Caritas Ukraine and its local partner Caritas Spes. Funds to support the charity’s work in Ukraine have Read more
On Sunday, December 5, Pope Francis, visiting the Greek island of Lesbos, made an emotional pitch for European states to be more welcoming to foreign migrants. The pontiff called on Europeans to stop ignoring their suffering, insisting that Jesus “is present in the stranger, in the refugee, in those who are naked and hungry.” “I Read more
For Catholics who put their faith first, before anything else, there is one way – above all others – to view the life and death issues facing local communities, the nation and the world: and that is, through the lens of the Gospel and Catholic social teaching! But instead, it clearly appears that more often Read more
People’s response to Catholic Social Service’s (CSS) appeal welcoming refugees from Afghanistan has been remarkable, says archdiocese general manager, John Prendergast. On 2 September, the social agency launched an appeal for housing, furniture and household packs. “Every action, small or large, will greatly benefit the individuals and families fleeing a desperate situation and seeking safety Read more
Pope Francis seems to be recovering nicely from his July 4 surgery, when the 84-year-old pontiff underwent a three-hour procedure for diverticular stenosis. But even with the best prognosis, age is catching up to Francis. Barring a miracle, he will only be expected to continue as pope for five or six years. We may look Read more
Throughout his pontificate, Francis has highlighted the plight of refugees. But he is not the first to do so. This year, as we observe World Refugee Day, America Magazine is testing reader’s knowledge of papal refugee statements. Read more
In four years participants in a Caritas campaign have logged about 600,000km in symbolic solidarity walks with migrants and refugees. The global “Share the Journey” campaign aims to build “bridges of hope between islands separated by fear,” says Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, president of Caritas Internationalis. Although the campaign has formally ended, its message continues. Read more
Refugees bound for Horowhenua are stuck in Ecuador due to a lack of international flights and safe travel routes. The quota programme started again in early February after borders around the world were closed due to Covid-19, and the first group of 35 quota refugees arrived within the week. The 90 refugees bound for Levin Read more
The first batch of refugees to arrive in the country since the border closed have now completed managed isolation. The 16 asylum seekers were prioritised as emergency cases because of a perceived high risk of death, jail, or expulsion from their own countries. As many as 1000 more refugees, approved to come to New Zealand Read more
In the Gospel of Matthew, there is a scene where the Pharisees and Sadducees, in their desire to test Jesus, ask him to show them a sign. In reply to them, Jesus says that in the morning when the sky is red and threatening you say that today it will be stormy. “You know how Read more