ICMC expresses profound regret over migrant shipwreck in Greece

By Thaddeus Jones

The death toll in Wednesday's shipwreck off Greece’s western Peloponnese coast is estimated to be in the hundreds. Between 400 to 750 migrants crowded the fishing boat that sank most likely due to overcrowding.  Greek authorities have rescued over 104 survivors so far and recovered 78 bodies of the dead.

Reacting to the tragedy, the secretary general of the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC), Msgr. Robert Vitillo, has expressed deep regret over the tragic loss of life. “The world must not simply stand by and wait for such tragedies that happen so frequently in many parts of the world,” he says.

What happened requires that safer alternatives for migration be found assuring “just and fair management of global migration for those forced toleave their home countries and families due to war and conflict, persecution and the lack of access to the basic necessities of life.”

Recalling Pope Francis’ continuing appeals for “welcome, protection, promotion and integration of migrants and refugees,” Msgr. Vitillo said  that these with “the grace of God” can help save lives, give hope, and strengthen communities and fraternity in our divided world.

ICMC is engaged in promoting alternative pathways for migration, coordinating emergency and long term assistance to migrants and refugees. Msgr. Vitillo concludes, “we see the contributions of migrants and refugees in many parts of the world, so let us be serious in welcoming our brothers and sisters in need.”

The International Catholic Migration Commission is the lead Catholic agency coordinating help to millions of refugees and internally displaced peoples around the world.