In the face of a global migration crisis, Pope Francis, a strong advocate for migrants, has urged for their welcoming, support, and integration into society, grounding his call in the Gospel.

He acknowledged the difficult journeys undertaken by many migrants, highlighting the dangers and exploitation they often face, including instances of slavery.

Addressing the Italian pro-immigrant organization ResQ, which operates a rescue boat in the Mediterranean, the Pope commended their efforts in saving migrants at sea.

He emphasized the importance of actively helping migrants, stating that welcoming, assisting, and integrating them aligns with Gospel teachings to aid the vulnerable.

The Pope recognized the challenges faced by governments in managing the migration crisis, particularly the financial burdens associated with providing for migrants. He cited New York City’s expenditure of $4.88 billion in 2023-2024 on migrant support as an example.

He highlighted the vital role of rescuing migrants in distress at sea and praised ResQ’s life-saving work, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis and human rights violations driving migration.

He concluded by expressing his support for ResQ’s efforts and offered his blessings.

While precise global migration figures are difficult to obtain due to data limitations, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) recorded 6.5 million migrants moving to OECD countries in 2023—a 10% increase from 2022. Estimates suggest over 8 million net migrants during the Biden administration, impacting governmental budgets.

This is not the Pope’s first plea for welcoming migrants. He previously lauded initiatives creating “humanitarian corridors” for safe passage to Europe, citing the benefit of safe, orderly, and sustainable migration.

He mentioned the success of an ecumenical program that has facilitated the arrival of over 6,000 people to Europe since 2016, highlighting a collaborative effort to process asylum seekers and provide post-arrival support.

The Catholic Church emphasizes a two-pronged approach to immigration: welcoming foreigners out of charity and respect for human dignity, balancing that with the government’s responsibility to secure borders and maintain societal well-being, as detailed in Church doctrine.