July 24, 2017
WASHINGTON—Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of
Austin, Texas, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB)
Committee on Migration, has issued the following statement on San Antonio law
enforcement’s identification of a tractor trailer containing 39 people,
including ten individuals who died due to heat exposure and asphyxiation.
Full statement follows:
My brother bishops and I are
heartbroken by the news coming from San Antonio regarding individuals found
dead in a crowded and overheated tractor trailer. I also note our continued
concern and prayers for the several other individuals identified, including
school-aged children, who are reported to have life-threatening injuries. The
loss of lives is tragic and avoidable. We condemn this terrible human
exploitation that occurred and continues to happen in our country. In a moment
such as this, we reflect upon the words of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, “The
defense of human beings knows no barriers: we are all united wanting to ensure
a dignified life for every man, woman and child who is forced to abandon his or
her own land.”
We together mourn for the lives
lost and offer our prayers for these individuals and their families.
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Keywords: USCCB, U.S. Conference of
Catholic Bishops, Committee on Migration, Bishop Joe S. Vasquez, Committee on
Migration, migrants, tragedy, exploitation, Pope Francis, human life, dignity
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT:
Norma Montenegro Flynn
O: 202-541-3200
17-132
Sec,DD,DP,DioNews,CathPress,Migration
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