This contribution underlines that migrations have always been at the center of the concern of the Catholic Church, through various interventions, aiming at interpreting this changing reality and renewing the proactive commitment of all ecclesial communities, especially in the socio-humanitarian, cultural and spiritual dimensions, for a full acceptance of migrants, integrated in society, in a journey towards authentic communion, respect for diversity and without intent to proselytize. By quoting some of the most relevant Documents, issued by the Catholic Church on this phenomenon, it appears that the Church supports the right to migrate (and in connection with it, the duty of the States to correctly govern the migration fluxes) but also the right of all persons to remain in their country of origin and contribute to their welfare and development. Some suggestions and recommendations are provided in order to reach the defense and the promotion of these rights, according to the teachings of the Church and, especially, to the recent pronouncements of the Popes.

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church role Catholicism emigration human rights