The Jesuit Refugee Service UK (JRS UK) paid tribute to Pope Francis for his commitment to refugees and forcibly displaced people, throughout his pontificate.
Liam Allmark, Head of Communications, Fundraising, and Advocacy, stated:
“One of Pope Francis’ first visits outside Rome was to Lampedusa, where he put care for refugees at the heart of his pontificate.
In an increasingly hostile context across the world, he was unfalteringly at the side and on the side of people driven from their homes by violence, poverty, or persecution.”
Pope Francis consistently encouraged the work of the Jesuit Refugee Service, stating:
“…too many people in today’s world are forced to cling to rafts and dinghies to seek refuge from the viruses of injustice, violence and war.
Faced with such grave inequalities, JRS has a key role to play in raising awareness of the plight of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons.
Yours is the vital task of extending the hand of friendship to those who are lonely, separated from their families, or even abandoned, accompanying them, and giving them a voice”.
Speaking about his influence here, Liam explained:
“Pope Francis’ call for people to live out their faith by walking with refugees has inspired countless parishes, families, communities, and individuals across the UK.
Every day, people are reaching out to those seeking sanctuary here, speaking up for change, opening their homes, and supporting the work of organisations serving refugees.
At JRS UK we share Pope Francis’ message that refugees are companions ‘to be loved and cared for as brothers and sisters’ and that ‘only by walking together will we be able to go far and reach the common goal of our journey.’
We pray for Pope Francis, as we continue our mission to serve, accompany and advocate for the rights of refugees in the UK.”
Read more
Jesuits in Britain: Pope Francis has returned to the Lord: A statement from the Jesuits in Britain
Jesuit Refugee Service International: Pope Francis’s passing and his legacy of fraternity and justice
