Pope Francis urges border region bishops of Colombia and Costa Rica, as well as bishops of Panama, to “eradicate indifference” toward migrants and refugees passing through the Darien Gap between Panama and the Colombia.
By Christopher Wells
In response to the disciples’ question to Jesus: “Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?” » The bishops of the border between Colombia and Costa Rica and the bishops of Panama responded: “In the Darien region, with our migrant brothers and sisters.”
It is there, declared Pope Francis in a message to the bishops made public on Wednesday, “that they await us, on the edge of a sea of tears and death which unites men and women, adults and children from the furthest latitudes.” various. »
The bishops of the three countries gathered in Panama for a meeting entitled “Easter with our migrant brothers and sisters”, with particular emphasis on the pastoral action of the Church with the hundreds of thousands of migrants who are trying to cross the treacherous “Darien Gap” which connects Central and South America.
In 2023, it is estimated that more than 500,000 migrants will have crossed the jungle corridor between Colombia and Panama. Others are expected to make the dangerous journey in 2024.
In his message to the bishops, Pope Francis highlighted the efforts of the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean, which he said has always sought to be a Church without borders, the Mother of all.
A challenge for Christians
“Every refugee and migrant who leaves their country challenges us as Christians,” said the Pope. He deplored “the indifference which is bloodying the Darien”, which coexists with the “hospital fraternity” in our cities.
“I encourage you to work tirelessly to eradicate this indifference,” Pope Francis said, “so that when a migrant brother or sister arrives, they find in the Church a place where they do not feel judged, but welcomed; where hunger and thirst can be quenched and hope rekindled.
The Holy Father urged bishops not to neglect the ministry to migrants, while calling on them to work towards the long-term solution of the “right not to migrate” in cooperation with international organizations.
Pope Francis insisted on the need for pastors and pastoral agents ready to go beyond established practices to be close to migrants, “because they are aware that only by walking in the rhythm of God with his people holy that it will be possible to cross the world. barriers of the conventional, leading the Church, with our migrant brothers and sisters, on the paths of hope.
Concluding his message, Pope Francis insisted: “We form a Church ready to welcome, protect, promote and integrate all, without distinction and without leaving anyone behind, recognizing the right of each person to offer their contribution, through work and personal commitment, for the good of all and the protection of our common home.
The full text of Pope Francis’ message to the “border bishops of Colombia and Costa Rica and the bishops of Panama”, in Spanish, can be consulted here.