The Archdiocese of Bangalore has strengthened its outreach to migrant communities with the inauguration of the new Pope Francis Migrant’s Centre & Short Stay Home near Mathikere.
Developed in partnership with the Scalabrinian Missionaries, the centre will provide pastoral care, counselling services, legal assistance, skill development programmes, emergency help, and community-building initiatives for migrant families.
The facility was inaugurated on 3 December 2025, with the Inauguration Stone blessed by Cardinal Silvano Tomasi alongside Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore.
Speaking at the event, Cardinal Tomasi underscored the Church’s mission of compassion in a changing world. “The Church is alive whenever she bends down to care for migrants. Every act of welcome is a living Gospel,” he said, praising the collaboration between the Archdiocese and the Scalabrinians.
Karnataka’s Minister of Energy, Shri K.J. George, shared his own family history of migration—from Syria to Kerala centuries ago, and his own move to Bangalore in search of opportunity. “Migration is part of my family’s story,” he said. “The Government will always stand by the Church in its efforts to uplift every migrant and ensure dignity for all.”
Church leaders in migrant ministry also offered messages of support. Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur, Chairman of the CCBI Migrants Commission, emphasized that “A migrant should never feel alone. The Church must be a home that listens, protects, and walks with them.”
Fr. Leonir Chiarello, Superior General of the Scalabrinians, reaffirmed the congregation’s long-standing mission: “For over 130 years, we have accompanied migrants with compassion and professionalism. This Centre continues that mission so that no migrant is left unseen or unsupported.”
Credit: Vatican News
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