Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Baja California (Agenzia Fides) - When he was appointed Archbishop of Tijuana, Baja California Norte in Mexico, he never thought he would have to deal with the problem of migration so closely, but now, as he says, "it has become my priority every day".
Mgr. Francisco Moreno Barrón, Archbishop of Tijuana, on June 16, 2016, in a long interview published today on abc.es site and sent to Fides, states: "As government and as Mexicans, we must create new sources of work, look beyond the United States, make agreements with other countries as well. Mexico is a country rich in resources and workmanship, we must promote this and not depend on what Trump says".
The interview underlines the change of scenario for Mgr. Moreno: "Coming to Tijuana has been a remarkable change because it is an Archdiocese with many inhabitants, about three million. But above all it is very special because it is the largest border in the world. In fact every day there are 170,000 people, 50,000 vehicles and 10,000 freight trucks that cross it. I was struck and surprised because I met people from all the cities of Mexico and there are always more and more people from other countries".
With regards to the "Trump Wall", the Archbishop said: "I think the last thing we need today is to have more walls. Some have fallen in the course of history and it is absurd that in these times a wall is seen as a sign of progress. What is urgent is to build bridges of relationships, bridges of communication, bridges of fraternity and peace between individuals and peoples. The United States is in a difficult situation because it is making decisions that are affecting many peoples, including Mexican people, especially for the issue of immigration".
"I want to acknowledge - he concludes - the great work carried out by the Church in this area, particularly in the field of evangelization, but also in the pastoral care of migrants. There are here different religious congregations that have distinguished themselves for their love and closeness to migrants, Scalabrinians, Franciscan Sisters of la Paz, Missionaries of Charity, to name a few. But what surprises me is that the people of Tijuana have a generous heart and share the little of what they have". (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 03/07/2017)
