Migration

“It is necessary to respond to the globalization of migration with the globalization of charity and cooperation, in such a way as to make the conditions of migrants more humane. At the same time, greater efforts are needed to guarantee the easing of conditions, often brought about by war or famine, which compel whole peoples to leave their native countries.”

﹣Pope Francis, Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, September 3, 2014.

The Catholic Church upholds the right of people to migrate to flee oppression and poverty, calling people of faith to support and assist those who migrate in order to live in dignity and peace and to flourish as humans made in the image of God.

Migrant family at asylum rally in Nogales, Mexico

A migrant family shares their story during a rally for access to asylum at the US-Mexico border in 2021.

Discover a rich collection of resources that address the complex and pressing issue of migration through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. These materials highlight the Church’s commitment to the dignity of every human person, the call to solidarity, and the responsibility to welcome the stranger and protect the vulnerable.

On this page, you’ll find:

  • Prayers and Reflections: Spiritual tools inspired by Scripture and Catholic tradition to guide compassionate responses to the challenges faced by migrants, refugees, and displaced persons.
  • Educational Resources: Lesson plans, discussion guides, and classroom activities designed to explore the moral and ethical dimensions of migration.
  • Multimedia Content: Videos, articles, and infographics that bring the stories of migrants to life and highlight the Church’s teaching on justice, human dignity, and hospitality.
  • Advocacy Tools: Practical resources to support advocacy for humane migration policies and to foster community actions that uphold the rights and dignity of migrants.

These resources provide a comprehensive understanding of migration as a critical issue in today’s world, inviting educators, faith leaders, and advocates to reflect, learn, and act. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, they inspire individuals and communities to stand in solidarity with migrants and work toward a more just and compassionate society.

Film Discussion Guide: El Deportado

Reflection
“El Deportado” is a short documentary that was created as a collaboration between faculty and students at Creighton University in Omaha, NE.  The documentary provides personal testimonies of...

Migrant Prayers: Reflections from the Comedor

Prayer
The Kino Border Initiative (KBI) provides services to migrant men, women, and children in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. The prayers and scripture quotes in this document were collected from individuals...

A Prayer for World Refugee Day

Prayer
This prayer, written by Fr. Leo O'Donovan, SJ of Jesuit Refugee Services USA, reflects on the hardships experienced by refugees and invites us to embody God's presence in response to these...

Signs of the Times: Migration, Women and Violence

Reflection
Learn about the specific dangers women experience while migrating from Central America to the United States, and advocate to end the recently implemented "Remain in Mexico" policy.

Video: Examen on Migration

Prayer
This guided examen prayer on migration expresses gratitude for the beauty of diverse people and cultures in our world. As we reflect on the migration stories of our neighbors, we pray to move beyond...
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Prayer for Children in Immigration Detention

Prayer
A prayer to end the unjust practice of holding children in immigration detention centers and to eliminate family separation at the United States border.
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Prayer for Families at the Border

Prayer
We pray to end the tragic, terrible nightmare of children ripped from their parents embrace at the U.S./Mexico border.  
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Crossing Borders and Bridging Gaps Through Art

Creative Voice
Creative Voice Elshafei Dafalla shares how his vocation as an artist helps the marginalized in our global community, especially refugees and torture survivors. An interview with Elshafei and an...

At the Door: Prayer for the Caravan

Prayer
This prayer reminds us that Christ is at the border door with “the least of these” who need our compassion and mercy.
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The Vision of Hospitality

Prayer
This prayer is based on the 2017 homily of Pope Francis on Christmas Eve. Francis calls people of faith to envision hospitality for refugees and immigrants as they consider the journey of Mary,...
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Pope Francis’s 2018 World Day of Peace Message

Reflection
This artistic photo reflection uses quotes from Pope Francis’s 2018 World Day of Peace message. To view the reflection, click here: http://bit.ly/2jlRdJr.  
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Pope Francis: World Day of Peace Message, 2018

Reflection
This resource builds on Pope Francis’s World Day of Peace Message for 2018. He calls the world to a new way of seeing immigrants, migrants, and refugees; the Pope challenges us all to practice hope...