Pope Francis inspecting the recently installed sculpture ‘Angels Unawares’ by Timothy Schmalz (2019) in St Peter’s square.

“… the Irish people, conscious of our own history of migration and Christian faith, must continue to welcome newcomers.”

This is the theme of a pastoral letter issued by the Irish Bishops’ Conference on October 12th, 2024 – entitled ‘A Hundred Thousand Welcomes?’

Acknowledging that the rate of Irish immigration in recent years has exacerbated problems such as homelessness, the bishops argue that these problems have been longstanding and need now to be addressed by a national effort that sees also the benefits brought by incomers.

“It is common to hear people talk about the costs of immigration. But almost one-in-five workers in the Irish economy are ‘non-Irish-nationals’. Our economy could not function without the people working in the sectors of hospitality, education, healthcare and technology, who have come here from elsewhere. Economists describe our economy as “at full employment” and it is still growing. There is clearly an inescapable need for migration.”

Illustrating the benefits of immigration for areas that have experienced rural depopulation the pastoral recounts instances of successful immigration – such as the story of Brazilian immigrants in Ballyhauniss, Co. Mayo.

“As Christians, the belief in the sanctity of life and the commandment to ‘love your neighbour’ calls us to care for everyone, regardless of their background. The parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us that our neighbour includes all, regardless of ethnicity or status. The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference urges all Christians, and people of goodwill, to embrace this Biblical invitation to welcome the stranger, creating parishes and communities of hospitality where people truly belong. Welcoming others is not only a societal duty but also a Gospel command to love and serve as Christ did.”

To view and download the pastoral, click here.