PDC’s Letter to Pope Francis

Your Holiness Pope Francis,

We are writing this letter to encourage you to continue speaking out about the issue of refugees from the crisis in Syria. We implore you to speak publicly on the refugee crisis during your visit to the United States, and about the plight of Syrian refugees in your masses and public statements. The largest refugee crisis since the end of World War II has destabilized the region and has spread to Europe and now to the U.S. It is imperative for the safety of those at risk in Syria and those in transit that the United States act with the global community in seeking to alleviate this crisis.
U.S. Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) and 71 of his fellow members urged President Obama to admit at least 100,000 refugees from Syria to the United States. This proposed measure would greatly alleviate the burden on our European allies, who have been faced with immense pressure in dealing with the hundreds of thousands of refugees seeking asylum in their countries. It would also continue the American tradition of granting safe haven to those fleeing conflict, squalor and persecution.
Earlier this month, you implored European Catholics to open their parishes, homes and communities to Syrian refugees. This stance, however bold, represents the moral leadership needed to address such a pressing issue. It is therefore important that American Catholics follow this example and urge their representatives and President Obama to emulate the example of your holiness. You have spoken on this issue in your masses, imploring your parishioners to raise their voices and not ignore these issues. The leadership of the Catholic Church on this issue sets an ethical example that can help ease this crisis and improve the lives of thousands.
In light of your visit to the U.S. this week, I implore your holiness to echo the message you gave European Catholics, and call for greater action for American Catholics to address this most urgent of issues. As the crisis worsens and the U.S. government begins to contemplate greater action, the Catholic Church is in an ideal position to offer the righteous guidance and compassion necessary for our country to help our fellow man in need. We hope that you will continue to call public attention to this issue, inform your parishioners about the crisis and encourage them to follow your example.

Regards,
Sasha Ghosh-Siminoff
Bassam Barabandi