Pope Donates $500,000 to Migrants In Mexico Trying To Reach US
Pontiff sends money that will be divided among 27 projects to help migrants
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Pope Francis has reportedly sent $500,000 to aid migrants in Mexico trying to reach the United States.
The funds, which are taken from Peter’s Pence collections, will be divided among 27 projects backed by sixteen Mexican dioceses and religious congregations.
The donations will be used to provide food, lodging, and necessities to the migrants.
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According to Peter’s Pence statement:
“In recent months, thousands of migrants have arrived in Mexico, having traveled more than 4,000 kilometers on foot and with makeshift vehicles from Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala.
Men and women, often with young children, flee poverty and violence, hoping for a better future in the United States.
However, the US border remains closed to them.”
More specifically, the aid is meant to help 75,000 people who arrived in Mexico in 2018 in the six migrant caravans.
“All these people were stranded, unable to enter the United States, without a home or livelihood,” the statement reads.
“The Catholic Church hosts thousands of them in hotels within the dioceses or religious congregations, providing basic necessities, from housing to clothing.”
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According to Vatican News: Although a great deal of attention was focused on the caravans at the time, the Peter’s Pence statement notes that “media coverage of this emergency has been decreasing, and as a result, aid to migrants by the government and private individuals has also decreased.”
The statement from Peter’s Pence insists that “a regulated and transparent use of the resources, which must be accounted for, is required before the aid is assigned.”
It notes that thirteen projects have already been approved, with another fourteen currently being evaluated.
“Thanks to these projects,” the statement concludes.
“and thanks to Christian charity and solidarity, the Mexican Bishops hope to be able to continue helping our migrant brothers and sisters.”
In January, Francis blamed the shortcomings of globalization on the rapid rise of nationalism.
The Pontiff did not highlight any specific countries or political parties but reflected on national policies favoring "quick partisan consensus" over patient efforts for the common good.
Francis expressed worry that Europe and North America are limiting their acceptance to migrants in his speech to diplomats accredited to the Vatican.
