The Church in South Africa

Catholic dioceses within the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference region marked the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees amid rising tensions regarding undocumented migrants in South Africa. The celebrations brought together refugees, migrants, and local citizens to share experiences and reflect on communal progress.

The Department for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg held its gathering at the Cathedral of Christ the King Hall rather than in individual parishes due to security concerns. Sister Marizete Garbin, head of the department since 2019, said the event provided an opportunity for different communities to reflect on how to move forward together.

Attendees included migrants from Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire. Abi Abou, who has lived in South Africa since 2010, spoke about the difficulties of living away from home and encouraged migrants to remain hopeful. These events take place as anti-undocumented migrant marches and social tensions affect various migrant and refugee communities throughout South Africa.

Pope Leo XIV told believers during his Angelus address on October 4, 2026, that God transforms evil into redemption and uses human failures to build a foundation for peace and the Church. He spoke about the parable of the workers in the vineyard and the eighth anniversary of the death of Saint Francis.

Fr. Avelino Chico SJ, head of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, has called for more local priests to participate in the Catholic Church's pastoral work with migrants and refugees in South Africa.

During a visit to Johannesburg and Durban, Fr. Chico met with diocesan coordinators for migrants and refugees to observe Catholic initiatives serving people on the move. While expressing encouragement for the commitment shown by coordinators, Fr. Chico told the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference communication office that the small number of local clergy present suggested a need for greater involvement to strengthen the Church's response.

Fr. Chico also suggested that South Africans should work alongside migrants and refugees in pastoral ministry to change the narrative surrounding people on the move.