Caritas launched a Global Week of Action last June for migrants and refugees as Pope Francis appeals for those forced to leave their homes. Caritas organizations around the world have kicked off a week of special events and shared meals to promote the strengthening of relationships between migrants and refugees and communities as part of the two-year Share the Journey campaign. Pope Francis began Refugee Week during his Sunday Angelus, saying that each of us is called to meet people forced from their homes and to ‘value their contribution.’

Pope Francis also urged States to reach an agreement on the UN Global Compacts which focuses on humanity and responsibility. The Global Compacts for Migrants and Refugees, which will be signed by States in September 2018, are a global agreement to promote safe, orderly and regular migration.

Citing World Refugee Day, which falls on June 20, the Holy Father said we need to be close to refugees “so they can better integrate into the communities which receive them. In this encounter and in this reciprocal respect and support, there’s the solution to many problems.” The aim of the Share the Journey campaign is to promote the “culture of encounter” in communities around the world. Meals and events are taking place in dozens of countries across the world. Pope Francis launched the Share the Journey campaign in September 2017.

Source: caritas.org