The meeting of the Section for Migration of the CCEE Commission for Social Pastoral Care was held in Catania from 9 to 11 December on the theme: “Jubilee and Migration: Walking Together in Hope”. The event was attended by bishops and national directors from the European Bishops’ Conferences involved in migration issues, who gathered for three days of reflection, dialogue, and collaboration in the context of the Jubilee Year. The choice of Catania offered a privileged vantage point on the Mediterranean, which in recent years has become one of the main hubs of migration flows to Europe.
The proceedings took place in the halls of the Diocesan Museum and opened with greetings and welcome by H.E. Msgr. Luigi RENNA, Archbishop of Catania. This was followed by speeches from Rev. Fr. Avelino CHICO, SJ, Office Head of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, and from H.E. Msgr. Bohdan DZYURAKH, Apostolic Exarch for the Ukrainian faithful of the Byzantine Rite living in Germany and Scandinavia and President of the CCEE Commission for Social Pastoral Care, who sent his own message.
In his opening speech, H. Em. Card. Anders ARBORELIUS, OCD, Bishop of Stockholm and Head of the CCEE Section for Migration, drew attention to the centrality of migrants, recalling: “Every migrant is a human being who deserves to be treated well. We must respect the human dignity of migrants — something that, unfortunately, is not guaranteed everywhere”.
The first working session continued with the report by Prof. Carlo COLLOCA, Professor at the University of Catania, who outlined the challenges and opportunities associated with migration in Europe. In the address, entitled “Migrants and Refugees in Europe in the Absence of a Common Policy: Consequences, Challenges and Proposals”, he highlighted how many European cities have pushed migrants to the suburbs, while local residents have gradually closed themselves off in more protected areas. This separation has created new boundaries and forms of exclusion in neighbourhoods and reception centres. Prof. Colloca called for a more open and supportive attitude, capable of transforming the needs of migrants into opportunities for the entire community.
The second working session, dedicated to the theme “Migration and Integral Human Development”, saw contributions from Rev. Fr. Avelino CHICO, SJ, and from Dr. Damiano LOCCI of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Both presented the Dicastery’s commitment in the fields of migration and support for the most vulnerable, emphasising the importance of promoting good practices, proper communication, and development policies that responsibly integrate the phenomenon of migration. The role of the Church was also highlighted; called to transform fear and division into welcoming and bridge-building.
During the third session, Dr. Davide BERNOCCHI, General Secretary of the ICMC, illustrated the situation in the United States, showing how the anti-immigration policies of 2025 have harmed migrants and blocked essential humanitarian services. He recalled that US bishops have denounced such measures as dehumanising and also referred to new Church initiatives aimed at supporting and accompanying migrants in their vulnerability.
In the last working session, Arch. Daniel DARMANIN, President of the Commission for Peace and Justice (Malta), presented Beyond GDP II, a research project analysing the living and working conditions of third-world nationals in Malta. The report showed that these citizens contribute significantly to the Maltese economy, despite facing significant challenges — including low wages, overqualification, precarious housing, and restrictive legal procedures.
Participants were also able to visit the Locanda del Samaritano, a shelter for homeless people run by the Vincentian Missionaries in Catania. In addition, they shared updates on the current situations in their respective countries, along with pastoral experiences and common concerns. The three-day event was also enriched by liturgical moments, celebrated in the Cathedral of Saint Agatha and in the Church of Saint Benedict in Catania.
