The Archdiocese of Tangier, located in Morocco, has stepped up to provide essential support to the many migrants returning from Ceuta, a Spanish city that has recently seen an influx of individuals seeking better opportunities. Archbishop Emilio Rocha Grande, O.F.M., expressed the challenges faced by the Archdiocese in responding to this migration crisis, noting that the situation caught them off guard. In an interview, he explained, “This migration crisis caught us completely by surprise and prevented us from responding adequately.” In light of limited resources, the Archdiocese has managed to offer basic necessities such as water and food to the returning migrants.
Despite Morocco's current status as a nation experiencing significant economic growth, Archbishop Rocha pointed out that many young people feel disconnected from the economic advancements. He elaborated, stating, “Morocco is not currently a poor country in the sense that people are dying of hunger. It is a country experiencing strong economic growth.” However, he acknowledged that the opportunities resulting from this growth often seem inaccessible to the youth, leading to a strong temptation to migrate. The Archbishop highlighted the prevalent belief among many young individuals that reaching Europe would automatically alleviate their struggles, providing them with jobs, housing, and a brighter future.
As reported by catholicculture.org.
