The very first apostolic visit Pope Francis undertook after being elected Pope was to Lampedusa, an island between Tunisia, Libya, and Sicily. Lampedusa is a common point for migrants moving between Northern Africa and Europe. In his homily, Pope Francis indicated he went to Lampedusa to “challenge our consciences lest this tragedy be repeated.” Nearly 10 years after that visit, boats of migrants are still sinking on Mediterranean migration routes, with hundreds dying, including many children. Let us pray and act so that migration can become a safe and viable option for those seeking a better life rather than the dangerous - and possibly deadly - journey it often is. | |
CMSM is pleased to announce a compilation of JPIC resources available for JPIC coordinators or leaders of communities in the new Member Content area of our website. If you are interested in gaining access to these resources, please email David Rohrer Budiash (droherbudiash@cmsm.org) for instructions on how to sign up. | |
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Changes to EB-4 Category of Visa
The employment based, section 4 category of visa deals with religious workers and special immigrant juveniles, among others. For all those in the EB-4 category, United States Immigrant and Citizenship Services (USCIS) issued a ruling in March that revoked exceptions for wait times from applicants from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. USCIS indicated it needed to do this to follow immigration law.
In response, a coalition of organizations, led by the USCCB and signed by CMSM, wrote to USCIS arguing that this policy change, which was abrupt and a significant reversal, would have the effect of prolonging the wait for all EB-4 visas by creating even more of a backlog of applicants and urging them to find a better solution that would reduce applicant wait times.
In late June, the USCCB informed CMSM that a formal response was received from USCIS Director, Ur Jaddou. The USCCB also informed CMSM that a formal response was received from Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter. Earlier this week, CMSM participated in a virtual meeting with representatives from the White House and USCIS.
The USCCB has ensured that they continue to evaluate and pursue legislative advocacy on this issue.
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Click here to read the response letter from Ur Jaddou.
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Click here to read the response letter from Rena Bitter.
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Click here to read the joint letter.
Committee on Domestic Justice and Peace Urges Appropriations to Care for the Environment, Vulnerable
Bishop Borys Gudziak wrote a letter to the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies “to ask that special consideration be given to the environment.” Quoting Laudato Si’, Bishop Gudziak affirmed that every government has a responsibility to preserve natural resources and its environment. The letter also reminded the Committee that it must bear in mind the essential needs of the poor and vulnerable when considering how to appropriate funds.
Read the letter here.
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Restorative Justice Webinar | |
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CMSM’s recent JPIC webinar, “Restorative Justice: Principles and Applications” explored restorative justice and its implications for the U.S. criminal justice system. The event featured experts Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy of the Catholic Mobilizing Network, Judge Thomas Donnelly of the Catholic Criminal Justice Reform Network out of the Lumen Christi Institute, and Fr. David Kelly, CPPS of the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation. Their presentations highlighted the principles of restorative justice, its relationship with Catholic Social Teaching, and how it can be applied in diverse settings. Their discussions revealed the transformative outcomes achievable through this approach, inviting attendees to consider new avenues for healing and reconciliation.
For those who missed the event, a recording of this webinar is available in Member Content.
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U.S. bishops praise new immigrant family reunification program
Bishop Mark Seitz, head of the U.S. bishops’ Migration Committee, praised the Biden administration's Family Reunification Parole program, which grants parole to migrants from certain countries with family members in the US. The program allows them to legally reside in the country for up to three years while waiting to apply for permanent residency. Seitz emphasized the importance of family unity and reunification, stating that it is foundational to the US immigration system and Catholic social teaching. He also called for comprehensive immigration reform, highlighting the challenges faced by aspiring immigrants due to backlogs in the current legal pathways. Seitz referenced the bipartisan Dignity Act of 2023 as an example of potential immigration reform.
Read more here.
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Haiti in ‘desperate’ security crisis as Catholic leaders urge search for solutions
The US and other countries are urging international intervention in Haiti due to the government's inability to ensure basic security amid the rise of criminal gangs. Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami describes the situation as the worst in Haiti's history, emphasizing the resilient nature of the Haitian people and the need for relief. The country has been in a political crisis since before the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, with a downward spiral in economic, political, and social aspects. The lack of security has hindered the possibility of holding national elections, while armed gangs control parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The suggestion of a U.N.-authorized multinational force to support the national police has been made, but concerns remain about the well-armed gangs and the need for addressing deeper societal issues.
Read more here.
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Catholic sisters connect across continents to improve care for older members
Catholic sisters in Nairobi, Kenya, and Mexico City are participating in a monthly information exchange to address health disparities and support aging members of women's religious communities. The initiative focuses on Indigenous communities and their specific needs, with sisters from these communities studying and assessing practical needs. Over 200 participants from various countries join Zoom sessions to learn about musculoskeletal issues, mobility, depression, and other day-to-day needs. The Mexican team conducted a nationwide survey revealing gaps in resources, such as a lack of beds, professional advisory services, and mental health care. The collaboration aims to provide support, training, and data-driven decision-making for elder care within these communities.
Read more here.
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Cardinal Zuppi Traveling to Washington to Promote Peace; Criticism of use of Cluster Bombs in Ukraine
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, appointed by Pope Francis to lead a peace mission between Ukraine and Russia, is visiting Washington, DC. The visit follows the U.S. decision to send $800 million in weapons, including banned cluster bombs, to Ukraine. The Vatican stated that the visit aims to exchange ideas, address the current situation, and support humanitarian efforts, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children. The details of the meetings during Cardinal Zuppi's visit have not been disclosed. The United States has provided significant military aid to Ukraine, but the inclusion of cluster bombs has drawn criticism from various Catholic bishops' conferences, including the USCCB.
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Pope: No one can be indifferent to 'silent massacres' of migrants
Pope Francis has expressed his sorrow and called for a change in attitude towards migrants and those in need, particularly those who have lost their lives while crossing the Mediterranean Sea in search of a better life. He referred to these tragedies as "silent massacres" and emphasized the importance of showing love, hospitality, and care to those who are seeking refuge. The Pope's message comes on the tenth anniversary of his visit to the Italian island of Lampedusa, a major destination for migrants attempting to reach Europe. He highlighted the need for solidarity, shared responsibility, and a renewed sense of compassion. Pope Francis also acknowledged the work of organizations such as Mediterranean Saving Humans, which rescue migrants at sea, and invited their representative to attend a future synod at the Vatican.
Read more here.
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- Laudato Si Action Platform
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August 31, 3:30pm - 5:00pm UTC+10: “Care for Creation our Common Home Invest Ethically: No More Fossil Fuels” (Webinar)
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Read more here.
- September 12, at 6:30pm CT: The Transformation Cannot be Stopped, Nation in Transition, and Workforce Rising.
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Read more here.
- Webinar Series – Root Causes of Migration
- July 26, 2:00 pm: “Why Migrate: The Underlying Economic Pushes and Pulls that Drive Migration”
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Read more here.
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