It Depends on Us

We cannot reduce this to a crisis –

the phenomenon of migration.

Why do people move? Where are they going?

Have we listened to their testimonies?

We must listen, for much more is revealed:

Faces, stories, wounds,

dreams and hopes,

A unique individual,

not a number, but a person who deserves a response.

We must organize our welcome, coordinate, plan,

And respond to signs of our times.

We cannot reduce people to a crisis,

For how we react can be a sign of conflict

If we build walls or push back.

Instead, our response should be a sign of peace,

an open hand, willing to greet,

support and hold.

It depends on how we frame it.

It depends on us.

Adapted from the text of Pope Francis’ weekly Wednesday audience, delivered on April 6, 2022 after his visit to Malta.