The communicative dimensions of the Church's vision of migrants and refugees: An African perspective

Abstract

(Note: I have done this long historical part for the sake of many journalists who would read this paper independently and who might
not know the development of the Church's vision on migrants and refugees).

“We would have before our eyes not numbers, not dangerous invaders, but the faces and stories, gazes, expectations and sufferings of real men and women to listen to.” (Pope Francis, Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the 56th World Day of Social Communications, 2022).

In the present context, it is imperative to remember what happened ten years ago. If we don't remember, we won't know at what point we are now. We need to avoid slogans and speak with our hearts and share to make things move” (Dr. Paolo Ruffini, the Vatican Prefect of the Dicastery for Communications speaking to Vatican News, Andrea de Angelis on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis visit to Lampedusa on July 8, 2013 in solidarity with the migrants who perished trying to cross the Mediterranean into Europe)

I am glad to participate at another Signis Africa workshop, this time on the Migrants and Refugees question. I thank the migrant section of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development for the great work it is doing and for supporting this workshop. I also thank Signis World present here in the person of Ms Helen Ousman its president and her husband John for joining us as wella as all Signis International officials. I congratulate the President of Signis Africa, Rev Prof Walter Ihejirika and all Signis Africa officials and collaborators for putting this together. I thank the Uganda Bishops Conference through its President, Bishop Anthony Zziwa for hosting this important assembly. I welcome all participants and trust that your presence will enrich you and enrich this workshop.

The topic I have: “The Communicative Dimension of the Church's vision of Migrants and Refugees: An African Perspective” invites us to expose the Church's vision on migrants and refugees and asks us to confront the often-sad reality of migrants and refugees of the African continent with the vast possibilities of our calling as communicators In the Church in Africa.