On Refugees and Migrants: Sharing the Journey
By Hunter Estes (SFS'19)
Archbishop Silvano Tomasi spoke to our community on Pope Francis’ recently launched initiative for refugees and migrants around the globe. The Vatican’s campaign is called “Share the Journey” and encourages the global community to better understand the plight of migrants and refugees and to take serious and comprehensive steps towards reforming our systems so that we may welcome and support the many people who have been forced from their homes. Through this campaign, Pope Francis challenges us to listen to and understand the stories of migrants, to open our arms in embracing them, to build a welcoming culture, and to seek public action in support of these displaced peoples.
Archbishop Tomasi took note that a startling one in seven people are no longer living in their country of birth today. This number has dramatically climbed over the years and represents a startling trend. Civil war and ethnic and religious conflicts have forced millions of people out of their homeland and made them to wander in search of a new place to settle. In response to this situation, our global community has failed to properly respond. Archbishop Tomasi reminded the audience of the collective responsibility that all people have in upholding the sacredness and dignity of each human life—a central component of Catholic Social Thought. It is in this vein that we must seek to meaningfully “Share the Journey” of each migrant.
The event then opened to a panel discussion on how communities can best respond to Pope Francis’ call to action that featured Fr. David Hollenbach, Professor Elizabeth Ferris, Georgetown student Habon Ali, Fr. Ludovic Laudo, and Archbishop Tomasi. The panelists agreed that while this massive issue is faced by the entire global community, the heart of the problem lies at the local level. They noted the need to not only welcome displaced peoples, but to integrate them into our communities. They rejected the buildup of "separate housing" for certain peoples and encouraged communities to immerse the refugees and migrants into their own neighborhoods and cultures.
Archbishop Tomasi closed the event with insight into the role of our faith communities in these trying times. As we attempt to struggle with these profound issues that impact the lives of millions of people, Tomasi reminded us of the importance of moral leadership. We need people to speak to our better angels as we attempt to help those most in need. In this manner, the archbishop stated that faith could be a tool to bridge divides, both on a grand and local level. Faith communities must be willing to take the lead and to fill the void of moral leadership on this issue. On the local level, the archbishop reminded us of how faith can build personal relationships, and how the strength of our belief can be the rope that binds us as a common people. Archbishop Tomasi left the audience with a hopeful message that with moral leadership and the power of faith we can confront the rising tide of forced migration. The love in our hearts will compel and help us to “Share the Journey” of struggling peoples worldwide.
Hunter Estes is a junior in the Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS'19) studying international politics.