US bishops ask Pope Francis for a better migratory system

The president of the United States Episcopate responded to Pope Francis’s letter to bishops on the country’s last initiative to deport unauthorized immigrants, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding human dignity and the goal of building a human immigration system.

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, of the Archdiocese of Military Services and president of the United States Catholic Bishop Conference (USCCB), thanked Pope Francis for his “support in prayer” and asked him For the United States to improve its immigration system, protect communities and safeguard human dignity.

“I ask you courage your continuous prayers so that we can find courage as a nation to build a more human immigration system, to protect our communities and at the same time safeguard the dignity of all,” Wrote Mons. Broglio.

The letter was in response to the letter of Pope Francis of February 10, in which the Holy Father urged the United States to evaluate the justice of his policies in the light of human dignity and highlighted the inherent dignity of migrants.

Mons. Broglio, in turn, highlighted the importance of focusing the issue on Christ.

“As the successor of St. Peter, you call not only each Catholic but to each Christian to what unites us in faith: to offer the hope of Jesus Christ to each person, citizen and immigrant equally,” said Mons. Broglio in the name of all bishops in the country. “In these times of fear and confusion, we must be ready to answer the question of our Savior: ‘What have you done for the smallest of these?'”

In his letter, Pope Francis proposed that a “rightly formed” conscience would disagree with associating the undocumented situation of some immigrants with criminality, while affirming the right of a nation to defend themselves from people who have committed violent crimes or serious.

In addition, the Holy Father said about The Catholic concept of “the order of love” —The “love correctly ordered” -, which was recently invoked by vice president JD Vance, a Catholic convers, in the ongoing debate about refugee and immigration policies in the country.

The role of USA in favor of charity programs

Mons. Broglio also directly addressed current concerns about the role of the United States government in charitable aid. By pointing out the recent pause in financing by the United States government, Mons. Broglio urged the United States and the faithful to support Catholic organizations of charity and help.

“We all go to the Lord in prayer so that families suffering from the sudden withdrawal of help find the strength to support it,” Mons continued. Broglio. “Together with you, we pray for the United States Government to fulfill your previous commitments to help those who are in a desperate situation.”

Under the Trump-Vance administration, the United States has suspended financing to most national and international beneficial organizations, including Catholic organizations such as Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Charities, who since then have urged the administration to resume financing.

Meanwhile, the United States Bishop Conference dismissed 50 members of the Office of Migration Services and Refugees last week, citing a delay in federal government reimbursements.

“We also address the people of God to ask for their mercy and generosity to support the national collection of Catholic Relief Services during this Lent, as well as the work ‘on the field’ of the local organizations of Catholic Charisies so that the void can be filled With everyone’s efforts, ”wrote Mons. Broglio.

Mons. Broglio concluded highlighting the importance of fraternity, especially in the jubilee year.

“While we fight to continue our attention to those in need in our environment and the desire to improve the situation in those places where immigrants reach our coasts, we always have in mind that we see the face of Christ in them,” said Mons. Broglio . “In this jubilee year, let’s build bridges of reconciliation, inclusion and fraternity.”

Translated and adapted by the ACI Press team. Originally published in CNA.