Advertisement

Migrants are not a Threat in their Host Countries: Spanish Catholic Bishop at Lecture in Cape Verde

Bishop Fernando García Cadiñanos of the Catholic Diocese of Mondoñedo-Ferrol in Spain. Credit: Catholic University in Cape Verde (EU Católica)

Bishop Fernando García Cadiñanos of the Catholic Diocese of Mondoñedo-Ferrol in Spain has emphasized the enriching contributions of immigrants to host societies, urging a shift from fear-based narratives that migrants tend to water down the identity of their host countries.

Speaking at a public lecture at the Catholic University in Cape Verde (EU Católica) on the theme “International Human Mobility from a Christian Perspective”, Bishop Cadiñanos reflected on the complexities of migration, and addressed the rise of xenophobic and populist rhetoric in many Western nations. 

“Today, there is a growing nationalist discourse that portrays immigrants as threats to identity, security, and economic welfare,” he said, and added, “This ideology promotes the idea that resources should be reserved exclusively for natives, reviving slogans like ‘America for Americans.’”

The Bishop who serves as President of the Episcopal Subcommission for Migration and Human Mobility in Spain led a delegation from his diocese on a sociocultural and pastoral exchange visit to the Catholic Diocese of Santiago in Cape Verde from January 15 to 20. 

In his address, Bishop Cadiñanos linked nationalistic sentiment to policies emphasizing border control and restrictive migration laws.

Advertisement

“This debate generates social conflict, fostering feelings of xenophobia and racism tied to aporophobia—hatred of the poor,” the Bishop said.

According to the Catholic Church leader, migration itself is not inherently problematic. 

“The real issues lie in the causes of migration—poverty, injustice, and violence—in the perilous journeys migrants undertake, and in unjust laws that exploit human dignity,” he said.

Bishop Cadiñanos said, “Migration, while complex, is as old as humanity itself. Our approach to it will shape the future of our world.” 

He urged a compassionate and just response, aligned with the teachings of Pope Francis, who views migration as a defining issue for the future of humanity.

More in Africa

The Bishop reflected on the impact of migration on society, highlighting its positives especially to the host country.

“Immigrant populations enrich our host societies economically, which is the most visible aspect and often the one most valued, particularly in highly market-driven societies,” the Spanish Catholic Bishop said on January 17.

He added, “Immigrants, through their diversity, help us understand ourselves better, revealing deficiencies that our societies may have lost sight of over time.” 

Bishop Cadiñanos lauded migrants for bringing perseverance, sacrifice, joy, a strong work ethic, and family values, calling these contributions vital for the social and spiritual growth of host communities.

He pointed to the need for interculturality, a dynamic of reciprocal cultural exchange, as opposed to mere multicultural coexistence. 

Advertisement

“Interculturality involves horizontal interaction and a positive valuation of diversity,” Bishop García explained, acknowledging the challenges involved,” Bishop Cadiñanos said.

He urged communities to move beyond seeing migration as a threat.

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.