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Pope Francis has issued a message to mark the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the UN International Organisation for Migration (IOM), warning that behind every statistic on migration is the face of a brother or sister that needs to be protected.

Pope Francis described the treatment of thousands of migrants around the world today as "deplorable". Speaking in a video message, the Pope said that migrants across the world are treated as "merchandise", "pawns on the chessboard", and as "victims of political rivalries".

The Pope continued, "How can suffering and despair be exploited to advance or defend political agendas? How can political considerations prevail when the dignity of the human person is at stake?"

"The fundamental lack of human respect across national borders diminishes us all in our 'humanity".

The Pope's message comes just one day after his remarks at the Sunday Angelus, in which he denounced the treatment of migrants around the globe, expressing sorrow for those who recently died crossing the English Channel, those stranded on the border with Belarus, and those lost in the waters of the Mediterranean. It also comes shortly before his trip to the Greek island of Lesvos. Click here to visit the Vatican News website and continue reading.

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Did you know? The Diocese's annual Justice and Peace Assembly takes place on Saturday 15 of January 2022, 9.30am - 2pm. 'To a Safer Shore' will explore the plight of our refugee brothers and sisters with a range of speakers. To find out more and book your free place please click here.

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