Apostolic Nuncio Calls for Compassion, Rule of Law amid Migrant Tensions in South Africa
The Apostolic Nuncio in South Africa has urged South Africans to be compassionate towards undocumented migrants and refugees in the country as fears and uncertainty continue to grip migrant communities following recent anti-migrant demonstrations.
“Everybody has the right to express his sentiments and opinions, but it is up to the State to make juridical and concrete decisions,” he said. The Apostolic Nuncio acknowledged different circumstances that lead to immigration, saying, “There are many reasons why people migrate, and every man and every woman has a different story. ”The Catholic Church leader cautioned the people of God in South Africa against discrimination based on their legal status, encouraging the spirit of mercy and understanding. Referring to the words of Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Jagodziński reminded the people of God in South Africa of the significance of compassion, especially to the vulnerable individuals, saying, “The Holy Father, Pope Leo, reminds us of the Gospel words: I was a foreigner, and you welcomed me. ”The Apostolic Nuncio concelebrated Mass with BishopJan Piotrowskiof theCatholic Diocese of Kielceand President of theCommission for Missions of the Polish Bishops' Conference, who was also visiting the Polish Catholic community at St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church for the first time. In his remarks at the end of the Eucharistic celebration, Archbishop Jagodziński described the Norwood community as a living example of migration's history. The community, established in 1968, was largely formed by Polish migrants who arrived during and after the Second World War and by those who left Poland during the period of martial law in the 1980s. He congratulated the Polish community, of whom some moved to South Africa due to education and even marriage, for their culture of regularly meeting up for worship and fellowship. The Polish-born Archbishop also recognized the growth of vocations among Polish communities where Polish Priests and Religious Sisters are currently serving in South Africa. For his part, Bishop Piotrowski described his first time visit as both joyful and encouraging, saying “I am very happy to celebrate Holy Mass for the Polish community in this chapel of Saint Joseph. ”