Migrant smuggling

The Latest

In 2023, over half a million migrants headed toward the United States crossed the Darien Gap, the inhospitable jungle region between Colombia and Panama.

Central American bishops to address migration crisis in Darien jungle

Mar 8, 2024

By Eduardo Berdejo

The meeting was convened by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and will take place in Panama City. Read more

(Left to right) Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, Texas; Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth, Texas; and Bishop Edward Weisenburger of Tucson, Arizona.

Senate border deal criticized by bishops, other Catholics from all directions

Feb 6, 2024

By Peter Pinedo

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops sent a letter to Senate leaders in which they expressed “serious concerns” about the... Read more

A migrant carries a baby in the Darien Province in Panama on Sept. 22, 2023. Hundreds of thousands of migrants have entered Panama through this jungle so far this year.

Pope Francis urges humanitarian response to Darien migration tragedy

Dec 20, 2023

By Eduardo Berdejo

“We need the joint effort of the most directly affected countries and the international community to prevent this tragic reality,”... Read more

Man bound hand and foot, vicitim of human trafficking.

Vatican releases online guide to combat $150 billion human trafficking industry

Jan 17, 2019

By Courtney Mares

With a new online guide, the Vatican seeks to combat the “ugly business” of human trafficking, which is estimated to... Read more

Vatican study group on "Trafficking in Human Beings: Modern Slavery", held Nov. 2, 2013.

Combat human trafficking, Pope urges new ambassadors to Vatican

Dec 15, 2013

Meeting with 17 newly appointed ambassadors to the Holy See, Pope Francis encouraged them to work together, regardless of creed,... Read more