Pope Francis’s passing inspires San Antonio faith leaders to continue helping migrants and refugees.
SAN ANTONIO — With the passing of Pope Francis, one overall message from his legacy was that of immigration and unity.
The pope came out many times, even just before his passing, in support of migrants and refugees.
We take a look at the impact his passing will have here in San Antonio.
“We made the decision we are going to continue helping migrants and refugees.”
A message passed down by the pope himself and one he reiterated again with CBS News’ Norah O’Donnell just last May.
The pontiff was asked his thoughts on the state’s attempt to shut down a Catholic charity on the border that offered migrants humanitarian assistance.
“That is madness, sheer madness. To close the border and leave them there, that is madness. The migrant has to be received, thereafter you see how you are going to deal with them. Maybe you have to send them back, I don’t know but each case ought to be considered humanely,” the pope said.
On Monday, the archbishop of San Antonio, Gustavo García-Siller, shared the work Catholic Charities of San Antonio has done for migrants.
In the course of two and a half years serving over 300,000 migrants to help them obtain legal status, under the guidance of Pope Francis and his message of unity.
“Everyone was served well and we made sure until the last family left… To the place of destination,” said García-Siller.
They were served through Catholic Charities until that service was forced to stop in late march, due to federal spending cuts.
With a pope so guided by a message of promoting immigration, the archbishop is hopeful a transition of leadership will carry on the late pope’s beliefs, at least in the church.
“I’m sure whoever will have to be elected will have to carry on the legacy of these last three popes, for sure,” he said. “When they come for help we don’t ask ‘Do you have papers?’ – we’re ready to serve.”
The church will always be there for the migrants and their families.
“Working together with other agencies to bring more opportunities to migrants would be great but if that doesn’t happen, that doesn’t take away from our responsibility to love our brothers and sisters,” said García-Siller.