The Holy See Mission striving for peace in 2017

Thank you for your interest in the work of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the UN in New York as we strive to uphold and fight for the dignity of every human being and advance peace and justice across the international community. Since there are no meetings at the United Nations after Christmas, we are using our “Week in Review” email to do a “Year in Review” and highlight what we have tried to do over the course of 2017.

Statements

This year, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the UN delivered 82 interventions. Archbishop Auza and the diplomats from the Mission gave 68; Archbishop Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, 10; Cardinal Peter Turkson, Head of the Delegation of the Holy See to the United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, gave four. Here they are, with links to the individual statements:

On February 3, the Holy See delivered a statement on "Strategies for eradicating poverty to achieve sustainable development for all" during 55th Session of the Commission for Social Development.
On February 13, the Holy See delivered a statement at the "Open Debate on Protection of Critical Infrastructure against Terrorist Attacks" in the Security Council.
On February 15, the Holy See delivered a statement on the "Themes for Partnership Dialogues at the Preparatory Meeting on the Ocean Conference."
On February 15, the Holy See delivered a statement on "Elements for a Call to Action at the Preparatory Meeting on the Ocean Conference."
On February 21, the Holy See delivered a statement at the "Open Debate on Maintenance of international peace and security: Conflicts in Europe" in the Security Coucil.
On March 15, the Holy See delivered a statement at the "Open Debate on Trafficking in persons in conflict situations: forced labour, slavery and other similar practices" in the Security Council.
On March 16, the Holy See delivered a statement on the theme of "Women's Economic Empowerment in a Changing World of Work" at the Sixty-First Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
March 24, the Holy See delivered a statement on "Water for Sustainable Development."
On March 24, the Holy See delivered a statement on "Climate Change and the Sustainable Development Agenda."
On March 27, Monsignor Antoine Camilleri, the Holy See's Undersecretary for Relations with States, read a letter from His Holiness Pope Francis to the UN Conference to Negotiate a Treaty to Prohibit Nuclear Weapons at the opening session of the Conference.
On March 31, the Holy See delivered a statement during the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.
On March 31, the Holy See delivered a statement during the UN Conference to negotiate a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading towards their total elimination.
On April 5, the Holy See delivered a statement on "Changing population age structures and sustainable development" during the Fiftieth Session of the Commission on Population and Development.
On April 19, the Holy See delivered a statement during during "Panel 1 of Implementing the SDGs and Other Major Frameworks: How the Global Compact on Migration can help meet our commitments" at the Interernational Dialogue on Migration.
On April 19, the Holy See delivered a statement on "Reaching a whole government approach to Migration: national and local perspectives" during the Interernational Dialogue on Migration.
On April 21, the Holy See delivered a statement at the "Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question" at the Security Council.
On April 21, Archbishop Auza delivered a statement on "Protecting Endangered Cultural Heritage in Times of Conflict" at a Holy See Mission Sponsored Side Event.
On April 24, the Holy See delivered a statement at the 10th Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
On May 15, the Holy See delivered a statement at the "Open Debate on Women and Peace and Security: Sexual Violence in Conflict" in the Security Council.
On May 20, the Holy See delivered a statement at an "SDG Action Event on Innovation and Connectivity."
On May 22, the Holy See delivered a statement on "Human-made crises as drivers of Migration" at the Global Compact on safe, orderly and regular migration: Informal Thematic Session.
On May 22, the Holy See delivered a statement on "Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication" at the Global Compact on safe, orderly and regular migration: Informal Thematic Session.
On May 25, the Holy See delivered a statement at the "Open Debate on Protection of Civilians and Health Care in Armed Conflict" in the Security Council.
On May 25, the Holy See delivered a statement at the Forum on Financing for Development.
On June 23, the Holy See delivered a statement on a "Survivor-Centered Approach To Trafficking in Persons" at the High-level Plenary Meeting to Review the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons.
On June 28, the Holy See delivered a statement at the "Open Debate on the Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the Security Council.
On June 28, the Holy See delivered a statement at the High-Level SDG Action Event on Education.
On July 5, the Holy See delivered a statement Enhancing the Contribution of Older Persons to Social Development at the Eighth Session of the Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing.
On July 14, the Holy See delivered a statement on the Role of Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes at the Launch of the Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes.
On July 17, the Holy See delivered a statement on "Mobilizing Religious Communities to End Poverty and Promote Peace" at a Side Event Hosted by Religions for Peace during the 2017 High Level Political Forum.
On July 24, the Holy See delivered a statement on the "Contributions of migrants and diaspora to all dimensions of sustainable development."
On July 25, the Holy See delivered a statement at the "Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question" in the Security Council.
On September 6, the Holy See delivered a statement on the "Effective Implementation of the New Urban Agenda" at the High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on the effective implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the positioning of UN-Habitat.
On September 6, the Holy See delivered a statement on "The Responsibility to Protect and Accountability for Prevention" at the Informal interactive dialogue on the Report of the Secretary-General on the Responsibility to Protect.
On September 7, the Holy See delivered a statement at the "High-Level Forum on a Culture of Peace."
On September 26, the Holy See delivered a statement at the "The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons."
On October 2, the Holy See delivered a statement on "Social Development" in the Third Committee.
On October 3, the Holy See delivered a statement at the "Second Committee General Debate."
On October 4, the Holy See delivered a statement on "Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and International Drug Control" in the Third Committee.
On October 4, the Holy See delivered a statement on "Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism" in the Sixth Committee.
On October 6, the Holy See delivered a statement on "Macroeconomic Policy Questions and International Conferences on Financing for Development" in the Second Committee.
On October 6, the Holy See delivered a statement on the "Rule of Law at the National and International Levels" in the Sixth Committee.
On October 6, the Holy See delivered a statement on the "Advancement of Women" in the Third Committee.
On October 10, the Holy See delivered a statement on "Sustainable Development" in the Second Committee.
On October 10, the Holy See delivered a statement at the "General Debate of the First Committee."
On October 11, the Holy See delivered a statement on the "Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Children" in the Third Committee.
On October 12, the Holy See delivered a statement on the "Principle of Universal Jurisdiction" in the Sixth Committee.
On October 12, the Holy See delivered a statement on the "Eradication of Poverty" in the Second Committee.
On October 12, the Holy See delivered a statement on the "Rights of Indigenous Peoples" in the Third Committee.
On October 14, the Holy See delivered a statement on "Globalization and Interdependence" in the Second Committee.
On October 16, the Holy See delivered a statement on "General and Complete Disarmament" in the First Committee.
On October 16, the Holy See delivered a statement on "Agricultural Development, Food Security and Nutrition" in the Second Committee.
On October 18, the Holy See delivered a statement on the "Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space" in the First Committee.
On October 18, the Holy See delivered a statement on "International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space" in the Fourth Committee.
On October 18, the Holy See delivered a statement at the "Open Debate on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question" in the Security Council.
On October 25, the Holy See delivered a statement on "Operational Activities for Development" in the Second Committee.
On October 27, the Holy See delivered a statement at the "Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security" in the Security Council.
On October 30, the Holy See delivered a statement on the "Promotion and Protection of Human Rights" in the Third Committee.
On November 1, the Holy See delivered a statement on the "Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects" in the Fourth Committee.
On November 1, the Holy See delivered a statement on the "Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict" in the Security Council.
On November 1, the Holy See delivered a statement on the "Elimination of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance" in the Third Committee.
On November 2, the Holy See delivered a statement on the "Effects of Atomic Radiation" in the Fourth Committee.
On November 2, Archbishop Auza delivered a statement on the "The Future of Religious and Ethnic Minorities Victimized by Daesh" at a Holy See sponsored side event.
On November 6, the Holy See delivered a statement on the "United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East" in the Fourth Committee.
On November 21, the Holy See delivered a statement at the "Open Debate on Trafficking in Persons in Conflict Situations" in the Security Council.
On December 5, the Holy See delivered a statement during the "Retrospective Session: Looking back on Phase I" of the Preparatory process towards the global compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
On December 6, the Holy See delivered a statement during the "Follow-up and Implementation Session:
Towards a Coherent Institutional Architecture and Effective Partnerships" of the Preparatory process towards the global compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
On December 6, the Holy See delivered a statement during the "Concluding Session: Towards a Coherent Institutional Architecture and Effective Partnerships" of the Preparatory process towards the global compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
On December 21, the Holy See delivered a statement at the Thirty-Seventh Plenary Meeting of the Tenth Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Archbishop Paul Gallagher

Secretary of Relations with States

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, represented the Holy See as the Head of the Holy See's Delegation for the 72nd Session of the General Assembly during the most active week of the year at the United Nations as world leaders gathered in New York to highlight their country's priorities at the General Debate, meet with other leaders, and participate in high-level events and dialogues. He delivered 10 statements on behalf of the Holy See, including at the General Debate. He also made history by signing and ratifying the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons on behalf of the Holy See.

On September 25, Archbishop Gallagher delivered the intervention at the General Debate of the General Assembly in General Assembly Hall.
On September 20, Archbishop Gallagher delivered a statement on "A Call to Action to End Forced Labour, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking at the High Level Leaders Event.
On September 20, Archbishop Gallagher delivered a statement at the Ministerial-level meeting on the Central African Republic.
On September 20, Archbishop Gallagher delivered a statement On the Occasion of the Tenth Conference to Facilitate the Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
On September 22, Archbishop Gallagher delivered a statement at the High-level Meeting on the Syrian Crisis.
On September 22, Archbishop Gallagher delivered a statement on the "Protection of Religious Minorities in Conflict" at a Holy See sponsored side event.
On September 25, Archbishop Gallagher delivered a statement on the "Role of Religious Leaders Regarding the Responsibility to Protect."
On September 27, Archbishop Gallagher delivered a statement at the High-Level Meeting on UN Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons.
On September 27, Archbishop Gallagher delivered a statement on the "Protection of and Assistance to Trafficking Victims" at the High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on the appraisal of the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons.

Holy See Signs and Ratifies Treaty on the Prohibition on Nuclear Weapons

On September 20, 2017, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for the Holy See's Relations with States, signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons for the Holy See and in the name of and behalf of the Holy See at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The Holy See was an active participant in negotiations, and was one of the 122 States that voted in favor of the treaty, adopted on July 7, 2017. The signing took place during the High Level Ceremony for the opening of the signing of the Treaty, in which the Holy See joined more than 40 states in signing the treaty, and was joined by only Thailand in simultaneously ratifying the treaty.

Cardinal Turkson at the Ocean Conference

His Eminence Peter Cardinal Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and Head of the Delegation of the Holy See to the United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: "Conserve and Sustainably Use the Oceans, Seas and Marine Resources for Sustainable Development," which took place at UN Headquarters in New York from June 5-9, gave four interventions:

On June 7, Cardinal Turkson delivered a statement at the Plenary Session of the Ocean Conference.
On June 7, Cardinal Turkson deliverd a statement on "Increasing economic benefits" at the Ocean Conference.
On June 6, Cardinal Turkson delivered a statement on "Managing, protecting, conserving and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems" at the Ocean Conference.
On June 6, Cardinal Turkson delivered a statement on "Minimizing and addressing ocean acidification" at the Ocean Conference.

Events

In 2017, the Holy Mission held 17 events at the UN.

Women and Work— On March 23, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN sponsored an event entitled "The Distinctiveness of Woman's Work and Her Empowerment," as part of the 61st Commission of the Status of Women at UN Headquarters in New York City, dedicated to the theme of Women's Economic Empowerment in the Changing World of Work.

Empowering Trafficking Survivors — Governments, corporations, and nonprofits can help rescued sex trafficking survivors by giving them a fair chance in the job market, according to experts at a Holy See Mission side event.

On March 22, the Holy See Mission sponsored a side event entitled, “Economically empowering Trafficking Survivors to Stay Permanently Off the Streets,” together with the Permanent Observer Mission of the Order of Malta and the Universal Peace Federation, as part of the 61st annual Commission on the Status of Women at UN Headquarters in New York City.

Ensuring the Right to Remain — On May 22, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the UN sponsored an event entitled "Ensuring the Right of All to Remain in Dignity, Peace and Security in their Countries of Origin," together with Caritas Internationalis, the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) and the Center of Migration Studies of New York. The event took place as experts and diplomats gathered at UN Headquarters for the second thematic session of the preparatory process for the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular migration.

Thirty-First Annual Prayer Service — On September 11, Bishop John Barres, Secretary General António Guterres, President Miroslav Laják of the General Assembly, and Fr. Gerald Murray delivered remarks at the annual prayer service sponsored by Holy See Mission for the UN Diplomatic Community and personnel, together with religious and ecumenical leaders in the New York area on the occasion of the opening of the 72nd Session of the General Assembly.

Protection of Religious Minorities in Conflict — On September 22, the Holy See sponsored a side event entitled "Protection of Religious Minorities in Conflict," together with the Permanent Observer Mission of Hungary to the UN and the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy. Archbishop Gallagher said the local and international community must assist not only in supplying material needs, but also in finding solutions to the root causes, through education, interreligious dialogue, and eradicating the use religious beliefs to justify terrorism.

“It is not enough to rebuild homes, which is a crucial step,” Archbishop Gallagher said. “What is also needed is to rebuild society by laying the foundations for peaceful coexistence.”

Preserving Pluralism and Diversity in the Nineveh Region — On November 30, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the UN, together with the Nineveh Reconstruction Committee (NRC) and the Knights of Columbus, organized a side event entitled "Preserving Pluralism and Diversity in the Nineveh Region" at UN Headquarters. Experts working on resettlement efforts said ISIS is on the verge of military defeat, but unless those displaced from the Nineveh Plains can return, ISIS will have succeeded in its ideological objective to eliminate religious minorities from the region.

Here are a list of articles for each event, which contain links to Archbishop Auza's remarks and to many of the interventions of invited speakers:

On March 2, the Holy See held a side event entitled "Pope Francis' Summons to Non-Violence as A Style of Politics for Peace."
On March 16, the Holy See held a side event entitled "HIV/AIDS and Property Rights: Overcoming Barriers to Women's Economic Empowerment."
22 March 2017, the Holy See held a side event entitled "Economically Empowering Trafficking Survivors to Stay Permanently Off the Streets" during the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 61).
On March 23, the Holy See held a side event entitled "Fertility Awareness & Economic Empowerment" during the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 61).
On March 23, the Holy See held a side event entitled "The Distinctiveness of Woman's Work and Her Empowerment" during the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 61).
On May 1, the Holy See held a side event entitled "Indigenous Communities Accompanied by Faith Based Organizations."
On May 10, the Holy See held a side event entitled "An Evening with Raphael: Raphael's Art and Human Dignity."
On May 12, the Holy See held a side event entitled "The Centenary of Fatima and the Enduring Relevance of Its Message of Peace."
On May 22, the Holy See held a side event entitled "Ensuring the Right of all to remain in dignity, peace and security in their countries of origin."
On June 1, the Holy See held a side event entitled "Parenthood and Optimal Child Development" on the Global Day of Parents 2017.
On July 12, the Holy See held a side event entitled "Caritas Agencies and Governments Cooperating to Achieve Goal 2 and Goal 14: Implementing the Agenda 2030 in Kenya and Oceania" during the 2017 High Level Political Forum at UN Headquarters.
On September 11, the Holy See held its 31st Annual Prayer Service to mark the opening of the 72nd Session of the General Assembly.
On September 22, the Holy See held a side event entitled "Protection of Religious Minorities in Conflict."
On September 25, the Holy See held a side event entitled "Role of Religious Leaders Regarding the Responsibility to Protect."
On October 13, the Holy See held a side event entitled "The other is a good for me: the role of Interreligious and Intercultural dialogue in addressing violence, conflict and building lasting peace in the world today."
On October 20, the Holy See held a side event entitled "Reconciliation and Peace in Colombia: The Impact of the Visit of Pope Francis."
On November 2, the Holy See held a side event entitled "Peace, Reconciliation and Justice: The Future of Religious and Ethnic Minorities Victimized by Daesh."
On November 30, the Holy See held a side event entitled "Preserving Pluralism and Diversity in the Nineveh Region."

Path to Peace Gala Dinner

On May 24, the Path to Peace Foundation honored two peacebuilders at the 25th Path to Peace Gala. More than 500 attendees witnessed Cardinal Mario Zenari, Papal Nuncio to Syria, receive the Path to Peace Award for his courageous commitment to the people of the war-torn country. The Path to Peace Foundation also honored Sister Mary Angel Acayo with the Servitor Pacis Award for her work serving women and girls in Uganda.

To read more about the 2017 Path to Peace Gala Dinner, click here.

To see more photos from the event, click here.

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS

FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE FIFTY-FIRST WORLD DAY OF PEACE

Migrants and Refugees: Men and Women in Search of Peace

1 January 2018

1. Heartfelt good wishes for peace

Peace to all people and to all nations on earth! Peace, which the angels proclaimed to the shepherds on Christmas night,1 is a profound aspiration for everyone, for each individual and all peoples, and especially for those who most keenly suffer its absence. Among these whom I constantly keep in my thoughts and prayers, I would once again mention the over 250 million migrants worldwide, of whom 22.5 million are refugees. Pope Benedict XVI, my beloved predecessor, spoke of them as “men and women, children, young and elderly people, who are searching for somewhere to live in peace.”2 In order to find that peace, they are willing to risk their lives on a journey that is often long and perilous, to endure hardships and suffering, and to encounter fences and walls built to keep them far from their goal.

In a spirit of compassion, let us embrace all those fleeing from war and hunger, or forced by discrimination, persecution, poverty and environmental degradation to leave their homelands.

We know that it is not enough to open our hearts to the suffering of others. Much more remains to be done before our brothers and sisters can once again live peacefully in a safe home. Welcoming others requires concrete commitment, a network of assistance and goodwill, vigilant and sympathetic attention, the responsible management of new and complex situations that at times compound numerous existing problems, to say nothing of resources, which are always limited. By practising the virtue of prudence, government leaders should take practical measures to welcome, promote, protect, integrate and, “within the limits allowed by a correct understanding of the common good, to permit [them] to become part of a new society.”3 Leaders have a clear responsibility towards their own communities, whose legitimate rights and harmonious development they must ensure, lest they become like the rash builder who miscalculated and failed to complete the tower he had begun to construct.4

2. Why so many refugees and migrants?

As he looked to the Great Jubilee marking the passage of two thousand years since the proclamation of peace by the angels in Bethlehem, Saint John Paul II pointed to the increased numbers of displaced persons as one of the consequences of the “endless and horrifying sequence of wars, conflicts, genocides and ethnic cleansings”5 that had characterized the twentieth century. To this date, the new century has registered no real breakthrough: armed conflicts and other forms of organized violence continue to trigger the movement of peoples within national borders and beyond.

Yet people migrate for other reasons as well, principally because they “desire a better life, and not infrequently try to leave behind the ‘hopelessness’ of an unpromising future.”6 They set out to join their families or to seek professional or educational opportunities, for those who cannot enjoy these rights do not live in peace. Furthermore, as I noted in the Encyclical Laudato Si’, there has been “a tragic rise in the number of migrants seeking to flee from the growing poverty caused by environmental degradation”.7

Most people migrate through regular channels. Some, however, take different routes, mainly out of desperation, when their own countries offer neither safety nor opportunity, and every legal pathway appears impractical, blocked or too slow.

Many destination countries have seen the spread of rhetoric decrying the risks posed to national security or the high cost of welcoming new arrivals, and by doing so demeans the human dignity due to all as sons and daughters of God. Those who, for what may be political reasons, foment fear of migrants instead of building peace are sowing violence, racial discrimination and xenophobia, which are matters of great concern for all those concerned for the safety of every human being.8

All indicators available to the international community suggest that global migration will continue for the future. Some consider this a threat. For my part, I ask you to view it with confidence as an opportunity to build peace.

3. With a contemplative gaze

The wisdom of faith fosters a contemplative gaze that recognizes that all of us “belong to one family, migrants and the local populations that welcome them, and all have the same right to enjoy the goods of the earth, whose destination is universal, as the social doctrine of the Church teaches. It is here that solidarity and sharing are founded.”9 These words evoke the biblical image of the new Jerusalem. The book of the prophet Isaiah (chapter 60) and that of Revelation (chapter 21) describe the city with its gates always open to people of every nation, who marvel at it and fill it with riches. Peace is the sovereign that guides it and justice the principle that governs coexistence within it.

We must also turn this contemplative gaze to the cities where we live, “a gaze of faith which sees God dwelling in their houses, in their streets and squares, […] fostering solidarity, fraternity, and the desire for goodness, truth and justice”10 – in other words, fulfilling the promise of peace.

When we turn that gaze to migrants and refugees, we discover that they do not arrive empty-handed. They bring their courage, skills, energy and aspirations, as well as the treasures of their own cultures; and in this way, they enrich the lives of the nations that receive them. We also come to see the creativity, tenacity and spirit of sacrifice of the countless individuals, families and communities around the world who open their doors and hearts to migrants and refugees, even where resources are scarce.

A contemplative gaze should also guide the discernment of those responsible for the public good, and encourage them to pursue policies of welcome, “within the limits allowed by a correct understanding of the common good”11 – bearing in mind, that is, the needs of all members of the human family and the welfare of each.

Those who see things in this way will be able to recognize the seeds of peace that are already sprouting and nurture their growth. Our cities, often divided and polarized by conflicts regarding the presence of migrants and refugees, will thus turn into workshops of peace.

4. Four mileposts for action

Offering asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and victims of human trafficking an opportunity to find the peace they seek requires a strategy combining four actions: welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating.12

“Welcoming” calls for expanding legal pathways for entry and no longer pushing migrants and displaced people towards countries where they face persecution and violence. It also demands balancing our concerns about national security with concern for fundamental human rights. Scripture reminds us: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”13

“Protecting” has to do with our duty to recognize and defend the inviolable dignity of those who flee real dangers in search of asylum and security, and to prevent their being exploited. I think in particular of women and children who find themselves in situations that expose them to risks and abuses that can even amount to enslavement. God does not discriminate: “The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the orphan and the widow.”14

“Promoting” entails supporting the integral human development of migrants and refugees. Among many possible means of doing so, I would stress the importance of ensuring access to all levels of education for children and young people. This will enable them not only to cultivate and realize their potential, but also better equip them to encounter others and to foster a spirit of dialogue rather than rejection or confrontation. The Bible teaches that God “loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.”15

“Integrating”, lastly, means allowing refugees and migrants to participate fully in the life of the society that welcomes them, as part of a process of mutual enrichment and fruitful cooperation in service of the integral human development of the local community. Saint Paul expresses it in these words: “You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people.”16

5. A proposal for two international compacts

It is my heartfelt hope this spirit will guide the process that in the course of 2018 will lead the United Nations to draft and approve two Global Compacts, one for safe, orderly and regular migration and the other for refugees. As shared agreements at a global level, these compacts will provide a framework for policy proposals and practical measures. For this reason, they need to be inspired by compassion, foresight and courage, so as to take advantage of every opportunity to advance the peace-building process. Only in this way can the realism required of international politics avoid surrendering to cynicism and to the globalization of indifference.

Dialogue and coordination are a necessity and a specific duty for the international community. Beyond national borders, higher numbers of refugees may be welcomed – or better welcomed – also by less wealthy countries, if international cooperation guarantees them the necessary funding.

The Migrants and Refugees Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development has published a set of twenty action points that provide concrete leads for implementing these four verbs in public policy and in the attitudes and activities of Christian communities.17 The aim of this and other contributions is to express the interest of the Catholic Church in the process leading to the adoption of the two U.N. Global Compacts. This interest is the sign of a more general pastoral concern that goes back to very origins of Church and has continued in her many works up to the present time.

6. For our common home

Let us draw inspiration from the words of Saint John Paul II: “If the ‘dream’ of a peaceful world is shared by all, if the refugees’ and migrants’ contribution is properly evaluated, then humanity can become more and more a universal family and our earth a true ‘common home’.”18 Throughout history, many have believed in this “dream”, and their achievements are a testament to the fact that it is no mere utopia.

Among these, we remember Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini in this year that marks the hundredth anniversary of her death. On this thirteenth day of November, many ecclesial communities celebrate her memory. This remarkable woman, who devoted her life to the service of migrants and became their patron saint, taught us to welcome, protect, promote and integrate our brothers and sisters. Through her intercession, may the Lord enable all of us to experience that “a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”19

From the Vatican, 13 November 2017
Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Patroness of Migrants

FRANCIS

1 Luke 2:14.
2 Angelus, 15 January 2012.
3 JOHN XXIII, Encyclical Letter Pacem in Terris, 106.
4 Luke 14:28-30.
5 Message for the 2000 World Day of Peace, 3.
6 BENEDICT XVI, Message for the 2013 World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
7 No. 25.
8 Cf. Address to the National Directors of Pastoral Care for Migrants of the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Europe, 22 September 2017.
9 BENEDICT XVI, Message for the 2011 World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
10 Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, 71.
11 JOHN XXIII, Encyclical Letter Pacem in Terris, 106.
12 Message for the 2018 World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
13 Hebrews 13:2.
14 Psalm 146:9.
15 Deuteronomy 10:18-19.
16 Ephesians 2:19.
17 “Twenty Pastoral Action Points” and “Twenty Action Points for the Global Compacts”, Migrants and Refugees Section, Rome, 2017.
18 Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2004, 6.
19 James 3:18.
[01780-EN.01] [Original text: Italian]