On July 13, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, gave an intervention during the concluding session of the intergovernmental negotiations on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

In his statement, Archbishop Auza said that the nearly two year process of negotiations has brought to light the reality of international migration and, pending formal adoption in Marrakesh in December, the Compact will serve as the first-ever comprehensive framework and international reference point for best practices and international cooperation among governments, NGOs and faith-based organizations with regard to global management of migration. The Compact, he said, will make it difficult for anyone to be unaware of the challenges migrants face or to avoid shared responsibility toward them. He reminded everyone of Pope Francis’ call to welcome, protect, promote and integrate migrants and said he believes that the Global Compact has not only respected but has been built on these principles. He expressed the hope of the Holy See that the Compact will not only help manage migration better but be a significant step forward in solidarity and mercy toward the dignity of every migrant and in service to all humanity.

His statement can be found here.