By Salvatore Cernuzio – Vatican City
Pope Leo XIV has urged the world not to remain passive in the face of human suffering, particularly as it relates to the ongoing migrant and refugee crisis. He warned against what he described as the “globalization of powerlessness,” an attitude that spreads when we grow indifferent to the suffering of others and believe that nothing can be done to help.
In an address to the participants of the International Conference on “Refugees and Migrants in Our Common Home,” held at the Augustinianum, Pope Leo emphasized the urgent need for global solutions to address the migration phenomenon, which affects more than 100 million people worldwide. The conference, organized by Villanova University, brings together experts from universities, NGOs, and community organizations to develop actionable plans for addressing the structural causes of migration.
In his remarks, the Pope drew upon a phrase coined by Pope Francis – “the globalization of indifference”, warning against the dangers of becoming “immobile, silent, and perhaps saddened” in response to the plight of innocent people. Such resignation, he said, can lead to a dangerous sense of “powerlessness,” where we no longer even attempt to alleviate the suffering of others.
In the opening session of the conference, Francis’ invitation was echoed. The Holy Father expressed his heartfelt thanks to the organizers of these days of discussion, reflection, and collaboration, as well as to all the participants for their contributions. These efforts will help launch a three-year project centered around four key pillars: “Teaching, research, service, and support.”
Thus, “you are answering Pope Francis’ call to academic communities to help meet the needs of displaced brothers and sisters by focusing on areas within your expertise,” Pope Leo said.
The dignity of the human person
These four pillars are part of the same mission: “To bring together leading voices from various disciplines to address the current urgent challenges posed by the rising number of people, now estimated to be over 100 million affected by migration and displacement,” Pope Leo XIV emphasized. He assured participants of his prayers that these efforts would yield “new ideas and approaches,” always with the dignity of every human being at the center of any solution.
During a recent address concerning the candidacy of the “Gestures of Welcome” project from Lampedusa for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the Pope remarked that one of the obstacles often encountered when addressing issues of this magnitude is the indifference shown by both institutions and individuals.
Francis had spoken of the ‘globalization of indifference,’ “where we become so accustomed to the suffering of others that we no longer try to alleviate it.” This can lead to what Pope Leo XIV referred to as the “globalization of powerlessness,” “in which we risk becoming immobile, silent, and perhaps sad, thinking that nothing can be done in the face of innocent suffering.”
No to the “globalization of powerlessness”
Just as Francis promoted the “culture of encounter” as a remedy to the globalization of indifference, “we too,” Pope Leo insisted, “must work to confront the globalization of powerlessness by fostering a culture of reconciliation.”
We must “meet one another by healing our wounds, forgiving each other for the evil we have done and also for what we have not done, but whose effects we bear,” Pope Leo said, quoting Francis. “This requires patience, a willingness to listen, the ability to identify with the pain of others and the recognition that we have the same dreams and the same hopes.”
Pope Leo encourages participants to find concrete ways to promote reconciliation gestures and policies, particularly in regions still suffering from the scars of long-standing conflicts. “This is no easy task,” he acknowledges, “but if efforts to bring about lasting change are to succeed, they must include ways to touch both hearts and minds.”
When creating action plans, it’s also essential to keep in mind that “migrants and refugees can be privileged witnesses of hope through their resilience and their trust in God.” Often, they maintain their strength while seeking a better future, despite the many obstacles they encounter.
Looking forward to the Jubilee of Migrants
As we prepare to celebrate the Jubilees for Migrants and for Missions in this holy Jubilee year, Pope Leo encourages us to highlight examples of hope in the communities of those whom we serve. “In this way, they can inspire others and help develop strategies to face the challenges they have encountered in their own lives.” – Vatican News
