Pope Francis called for greater compassion and dignity in addressing migration and emphasized the urgency of environmental care in his annual address to the diplomatic corps on Thursday. The pontiff criticized the treatment of migrants as mere “problems to be managed” rather than individuals with dreams, talents, and dignity.
The pope lamented the mistrust surrounding migration and urged nations to create “safe regular pathways” for those seeking refuge. He highlighted the struggles faced by migrants, including long journeys through deserts and dangerous sea crossings, only to be rejected or forced into clandestine living.
“Migrants have dignity and resources that they can offer to others; they have their own experiences, needs, fears, aspirations, dreams, skills, and talents,” Francis said.
He also advocated addressing the root causes of migration, suggesting that development efforts could reduce the necessity for people to leave their homelands. Migration, he argued, should be a choice rather than a means of survival.
Shifting to another priority, Pope Francis called for collective responsibility in combating environmental degradation and climate change. He noted humanity’s debt to the Earth, which provides sustenance, and warned of the repercussions of neglecting ecological stewardship.
“Nature itself seems to be rebelling against human action by extreme manifestations of its power,” he said, referencing recent natural disasters such as European floods, Madagascar cyclones, and storms in Mozambique.
Francis praised commitments made during the COP 29 climate summit in Baku, emphasizing the need for financial resources to assist countries most affected by the climate crisis and burdened by economic debt. He underscored the “ecological debt” owed by wealthier nations to developing countries and urged global solidarity in addressing climate challenges.
The pope’s address reaffirmed his call for a unified approach to both migration and environmental issues, advocating policies rooted in human dignity, compassion, and a shared responsibility for the planet.
