Overview
- Cardinal Robert McElroy delivered the remarks Sunday after leading a seven-station march from a Columbia Heights parish to the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle for the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
- He warned that current enforcement inflicts horrific emotional suffering on U.S.-born children who may be forced to choose between their parents and the only country they have known.
- While affirming a nation's right to control its borders, he said the policies go far beyond legitimate aims, rely on fear and terror, and are willing to tear families apart.
- He urged Catholics to offer sustained, prophetic, compassionate solidarity, calling the Church to consolation, peaceful witness, courage, and sacrifice, and he thanked parish ministries for their support.
- His homily received a lengthy standing ovation and was reported by local outlet WTOP News and by Vatican News.