Pope says migration can promote dialogue, peace, missionary spirit

Published: 2003-11-20

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Despite the legal, material and social challenges that migration brings, the arrival of newcomers is also an opportunity for fostering dialogue and peace and for sharing the Gospel, Pope John Paul II said. "The work of promoting the well-being of the many men and women who for various reasons do not live in their homelands represents a vast field for the new evangelization to which the whole church is called," the pope said. Pope John Paul met Nov. 20 with about 300 people from 99 countries participating in the World Congress for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees. The protection of the human rights of all people, especially vulnerable migrants and refugees, "must be guaranteed in every civil society and espoused by all Christians," the pope said. The Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers, sponsor of the congress, is concluding work on a document outlining the obligation to meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of migrants and refugees.

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