IOM Director Meets Pope to Discuss Migrant Support, Collaboration
On October 2, 2021, Amy Pope, Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), met with Pope Leo XIV. The discussion focused on the impact of budget cuts in humanitarian aid, affecting nine million people, and the need for collaboration between the Church and organizations like IOM to support migrants.
Amy Pope discussed the misinformation surrounding migrant movements, highlighting that most migrants move within their own region. She also emphasized the need to stabilize mobile communities by raising awareness, advocating, and ensuring community support for migrants.
During the meeting, Amy Pope and Pope Leo XIV explored the significance of the Pope's influence on IOM's work. The Pope's voice confers moral authority, encouraging local community support for migrants and refugees, and aligning with international humanitarian law. Amy Pope aims to present concrete ways for universities and students to participate in supporting migrants at the 'Refugees and Migrants in Our Common Home' conference, refocusing the migration debate on the humanity and dignity of migrants.
Amy Pope thanked readers and invited them to sign up for the newsletter, encouraging further engagement in supporting migrants and refugees. The meeting between Amy Pope and Pope Leo XIV underscored the importance of collaboration between the Church and organizations like IOM in advocating for migrants and refugees.
