French bishops express grief and solidarity with drowned refugees

Prayers in Place de la République, Paris - Twitter

After at least 27 migrants perished this Wednesday, 24 November off the coast of Calais while trying to reach England, the bishops of Lille, Arras and Cambrai issued this statement expressing their sadness, concern and solidarity with the victims. They write:

Once again, children, women and men, who left everything in search of a better world, have been crushed by the sea. How can we not mourn them? How not to be heartbroken? How not to revolt against the ignominy of those who take advantage of their fragility and their hope for a better life for their families and themselves, to rob them before sending them in fragile boats to certain death? How can we think that closing borders and strengthening security can resolve this migratory crisis in a lasting way?

In the Catholic community, as in other Christian communities, but also the associations that work alongside them, the emotion is lively. We want to reiterate our presence and our availability to welcome and support these children, women and men.

Contemporary migratory challenges are certainly complex, and we too, Catholics, are very small in the face of this. But with Pope Francis, we believe in the response "of solidarity and mercy". "An answer which does not do too many calculations but which requires an equitable sharing of responsibilities, an honest and sincere assessment of the possibilities and wise management" (Mass for Migrants, Rome, 7 July 2018).

A response that should also support the development of southern countries to give them a glimpse of a better future in their own country. No one uproots themselves this way if they know of a possible future in their native land!

Europe can take up this challenge: it has the instruments to put human dignity at the centre of the debate and provide the means for this international solidarity. She does not want to let either the Mediterranean or the Channel become a cemetery for all these people in exile.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers, these missing people, those who survived, their families and all those who will help them overcome this tragedy.

Mgr Laurent ULRICH, archbishop of Lille
Mgr Vincent DOLLMANN, bishop of Cambrai
Mgr Olivier LEBORGNE, bishop of Arras
Mgr Antoine HEROUARD, auxiliary bishop of Lille

Commemoration services took place this evening at the human rights commemorative plaque in the Garden of Remembrance in Dunkirk; in Richelieu Park, Calais and at the Place de la République in Paris. (pictured)