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| Press Release (June 22, 2005) |
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Pope Benedict XVI Prays for Support for Refugees
On June 19, 2005, during his Angelus reflection, Pope Benedict XVI asked all Christians to express their faith by helping refugees and others
in need. The Pope's remarks preceded "World Refugee Day" (June 20, 2005) organized by United Nations to increase awareness about problems faced
by those forced to leave their homeland. While the total number of refugees decreased internationally to 9.2 million (the lowest number in almost a quarter of a
century), there has been an alarming increase - from 17 to 19.2 million, or by 13% - in the number of people displaced internally as well as those who have become stateless.
While reflecting about the plight of the refugees, Pope Benedict XVI stated that the Christian community "is close to those who undergo this painful experience; it endeavors to
sustain them, to express in different ways its interest and love for them through concrete gestures of solidarity, so
that whoever finds himself far from his country will feel the Church as a homeland where no one is a stranger." He reminded his audience of over
30,000 pilgrims that Mary, Mother of God, "tasted the bitterness of exile together with her spouse Joseph and the baby
Jesus, when the absurd persecution of King Herod forced the Holy Family to flee to Egypt." The Pope's reflections reminded his listeners
about the June prayer intention for the Catholic Church: "For the millions of refugees in the world: may they receive brotherly love and concrete aid from all Christians."
Since 1956, the Immigration and Refugee Department of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc., has assisted thousands of refugees fleeing persecution in their home countries. The program's Director, Loc Nam Nguyen, is a former refugee himself and, along with his staff, as well as the employees of Catholic Charities' Central Intake Unit, has focused on welcoming the new residents and helping them adjust to their lives in America. Catholic Charities' Refugee Resettlement Program serves to help newly arrived refugees and immigrants resettle in the Los Angeles area, adjust to their new home and achieve economic self-sufficiency. Case management services include: airport reception; orientation; financial assistance; assessments; referrals; home visits; tutoring; employment preparation and placement. Many staff members are former refugees themselves. Established in 1919, Catholic Charities of Los Angeles has served millions of people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, income, gender or religious belief. During the past fiscal year (July 1, 2003 - June 30, 2004), in more than 50 offices and community centers, the agency provided over 1,286,000 services to 243,994 different individuals. In addition to seeking immigration and refugee assistance, people in need come to Catholic Charities for emergency food and shelter, low-cost before-and-after-school childcare, psychological services, computer and jobs skills training, and other supportive services.  |
