Annual Assembly of the Franciscan Network for Migrants in the Americas

From the 20th-24th October, 2025, the Franciscan Network for Migrants in the Americas (RFM) held its annual assembly at the “Valley of Mercy” House of Prayer in Guadalajara, Mexico, which belongs to the Franciscan OFM Province of Saints Francis and James. The Provincial Minister, Br. Ángel Gabino Gutiérrez, welcomed the participants from nine countries.

During the meeting, concerns were expressed about the rise of an anti-immigration narrative, which is widely exploited by political populism. Similarly, the presentation of reports provided a direct view of the consequences of US migration policies, which have led to a considerable decrease in the migratory flow to that country, resulting in increased migration between countries in the South.  Furthermore, the exponential increase in deportations was highlighted.

In his opening address, Br. Ignacio Ceja, Vicar General and special guest of the assembly, recalled the mandate assumed by the Order of Friars Minor during the last General Chapter, namely, to create or strengthen Franciscan networks for migrants and refugees throughout the world, because, he stated, "our commitment to solidarity in the face of migration is an essential part of our Franciscan evangelizing mission."

Amongst the achievements of this meeting are the approval of the Protection Protocol, the approval of the general lines of action for 2026-2027, and the election of the RFM General Facilitator in the person of Rafael Lara González, a lay person of Panamanian nationality, and four members of the Steering Committee. 

One of the special moments was the visit of Br. Francisco Gómez Vargas and Br. Dennis Tayo, heads of the General Secretariat for Missions and Evangelisation of the OFM, who expressed their gratitude for the work that the Franciscan Family is doing in favour of migrants and encouraged them to continue this mission inherent in Franciscan charism.