Welcome, Protect, Promote and Integrate

Protect the Dignity, Human Rights and Freedom of All

The Vatican’s Migrants & Refugees Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development  is a small action-oriented Vatican office personally directed by Pope Francis. This office has released a set of 20 Pastoral Action Points and 20 Action Points for the Global Compacts, providing concrete leads for implementing the four actions – to welcome, to protect, to promote, to integrate – in the attitudes and actions of Christian communities and of all those concerned with those who are forced to flee, and in international and national policies.

While massive numbers of people have been forced to leave their homes due to persecution, violence, natural disasters and the scourge of poverty, migration should nevertheless be recognized, not as a new phenomenon, but rather as a natural human response to crisis and a testament to the innate desire of every human being for happiness and a better life. This reality, with its important cultural and spiritual dimensions, is having a significant impact on attitudes and reactions all over the world.

Even amidst the current crisis, experience teaches that effective, shared responses are available. The Church looks forward to working together with the international community to promote and adopt such measures to protect the dignity, rights and freedoms of all persons currently on the move, including forced migrants, victims of human trafficking, asylum seekers, refugees and internally displaced persons.

For more information visit the Migrants & Refugees Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development’s website