Friday, March 31, 2006

OK--So What's Rome's View on Immigration?

Here it is, from the Catechism:

2241 The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.

Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants’ duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.

This is prudential, not dogmatic--the Church doesn't deal with numbers, or specific conditions, for obvious reasons. But that second paragraph should be read, aloud, often, in the barrios.

HT: Ipsissima Verba

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