Refugees

In the spotlight: Pope’s overseas trip, refugee awareness, remembering 9/11, Labor Day Encuentro

Activists are taking an 11-foot puppet named Little Amal on a 5,000-mile pilgrimage from the Syrian border through eight countries to raise awareness about displaced children and unaccompanied refugee minors.

“I ask everyone to continue to help the needy and to pray that dialogue and solidarity may lead to the establishment of a peaceful and fraternal coexistence and offer hope for the country’s future,” he said, after praying the Angelus with visitors in St. Peter’s Square Aug. 29.

In an Aug. 25 news conference, the Taliban announced that Afghans will no longer be able to leave the country.

Thousands of Afghans have entered Pakistan via the Chaman border crossing, one of the most active trade and travel routes between the countries.

Operation Allies Refuge, which began July 30, brought planeloads of Afghans to Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C.

In the spotlight: wildfires in Greece, 9/11 “Never Forget Walk,” Iowa pilgrimage

The U.S. Catholic Church may be missing out on an opportunity to increase and enrich its ranks if dioceses and parishes don’t reach out to these groups.