Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Cardinal Michael Czerny, Pope Francis’ representative on immigration, has called on Catholics to "welcome and protect" migrants who face increasingly dangerous journeys only to encounter indifference and hostility at their destinations. Speaking in a homily on August 20 in Panama City during a meeting of bishops and migration pastoral agents, Cardinal Czerny emphasized the Church's responsibility towards migrants.

"Pope Francis says that our first two duties toward migrants is to welcome them and protect them," said Cardinal Czerny, who serves as the prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. He added, "We want to help God do the impossible and we are humbly convinced that everyone in the church is called to participate and contribute to this Christian welcome to those who pass through our parishes and our dioceses."

Cardinal Czerny shared his experiences from a recent visit with six fellow prelates to the edge of the Darién Gap, a hazardous jungle between Panama and Colombia traversed by many migrants. He recounted encountering migrants from various countries including Nepal, Angola, Haiti, and Venezuela. "We encountered migrants who came straight from hell and were now returning to the land of men," he said.

The Mass was part of the 10th Meeting of Bishops and Migration Pastoral Agents of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean held from August 19-23. The event aimed at informing a pastoral letter on immigration expected in November while drafting a regional response.

"A document is being prepared that can guide pastoral actions throughout the region," said Father Gustavo Meneses, executive secretary of the Socio-Pastoral Observatory of Human Mobility in Mesoamerica and the Caribbean. He noted that addressing migration requires regional cooperation rather than isolated national efforts.

Participants stressed speaking out forcefully on migration issues amid rising anti-migrant rhetoric. Scalabrinian Sister Ligia Ruiz emphasized unity within the Church: "On this topic of migration, we must be united."

The conference occurred amid increased crackdowns on migration across Latin America. Panama announced plans with the U.S. government in June for migrant deportations; the first flight departed for Colombia on August 20.

Sister Ruiz highlighted changes at borders: "The U.S.-Mexico border has been moved (south) at the same time" as these announcements.

According to an analysis by the Washington Office on Latin America, fewer people have been crossing through Darién Gap recently—about 400 daily so far in August compared to higher numbers earlier this year.

At the U.S.-Mexico border, reduced numbers were also reported—56,400 illegal migrants detained between ports of entry in July—the lowest figures in four years due partly to restrictions imposed by President Biden’s administration.

Mexico's enforcement policies have also intensified. The Mexican government claims its cooperation with U.S policies has reduced arrivals at their shared border by 77% since December 2023. However, Scalabrinian Father Julio López stated that migrant flows continue despite these measures: “Perhaps this is how they managed to reduce numbers on northern border,” but he affirmed that "the (migrant) flows continue."