The appeal of Sant'Egidio USA: innocent children are unjustly suffering the trauma of separation

We invite everyone to reflect on the life and words of Jesus who said: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

This sentence is the end of an appeal that Sant'Egidio USA has prepared in the wake of the tragic situation that has been created at the South border of the country. The Practice of separating children from their parents is today at the center of a political debate. But we must not forget that all this impacts the weakest and most fragile. Innocent children are unjustly suffering the heartbreaking trauma of separation and loss. Their lives and their happiness cannot be sacrificed to any enforcement policy.

Yesterday Sant'Egidio in Washington DC held, a Prayer vigil to pray for the children and their parents but also to remember the thousands of migrants and refugees who have lost their lives searching for a better and safer future. Other prayers and moments of reflection will take place in the whole country during the next weeks.

This mobilization sees Sant'Egidio united with the many who in these hours are expressing their outcry for what is happening, and especially with Pope Francis who has been very clear on the duty of welcome.