“Deporting Migrants Wounds Human Dignity” – Pope Francis

Pope Francis’ words resonate deeply with millions who face this reality every day. Human migration is not new, even the Holy Family experienced it. For us, as missionaries, it presents a challenge: to evangelize both those on the move and those receiving them. The situation becomes dire when authorities hunt down undocumented individuals, labeling them “illegal,” and sending them back to their countries of origin.

In a letter to the U.S. bishops in February 2025, Pope Francis wrote: “Deporting people who, in many cases, have left their homeland due to extreme poverty, insecurity, exploitation, persecution, or environmental devastation wounds the dignity of countless men and women, entire families, and places them in a state of particular vulnerability and defenselessness.” He also warned against equating “the illegal status of some migrants with criminality.” At the same time, he affirmed: “A nation has the right to protect itself and ensure the safety of its communities from those who have committed violent or serious crimes, either while in the country or before arriving.”

Francis reminds us of the dignity of every person: “The human being is a subject with inherent dignity who, through relationships with others, especially with the poor, can gradually mature in identity and vocation. The true order of charity, which must be promoted, is the one revealed in constant meditation on the Parable of the Good Samaritan (cf. Lk 10:25-37), that is, the love that builds a fraternity open to all, without exception.”

We live in times of great change. Let us pray for those experiencing migration, for those separated from their families, and for those who have been deported. Let us also pray for Christian communities that welcome migrants and accompany them as they seek new beginnings. May we, like the Good Samaritan, draw near to our neighbor, always upholding the dignity of every person.

By Jorge Albergati, OMI

Published on the OMI World website