The Spanish Catholic Church has strongly rejected claims from far-right politicians that it is making money from helping migrants, calling the accusations false and misleading.
The response came after Santiago Abascal, leader of the Vox party, suggested that some groups benefit financially from illegal immigration. His comments were widely understood as targeting church organisations, especially Caritas Spain, which provides support to migrants and vulnerable people.
However, Cesar García Magán, secretary general of the Spanish bishops’ conference, firmly denied the claims. He described the accusations as “slander” and said they are not based on facts but on political ideas. According to him, there is no financial gain from helping migrants, and such statements misrepresent the Church’s work.
The controversy started after José Mazuelos spoke about the difficult situation migrants face when arriving in the Canary Islands. He stressed that caring for migrants is not only a Christian duty but also a human responsibility. He highlighted the harsh journeys many migrants take, including long and dangerous trips by sea with little food or water.
In response, Abascal argued that those who support migration should experience these journeys themselves and claimed that migration has negative effects on Spain’s healthcare, security, wages, and taxes. His remarks added to ongoing political tensions around migration in the country.
Church leaders pushed back strongly, explaining that organisations like Caritas do not profit from migration. While they do receive some public funding for social programmes, the Church itself is mainly funded through voluntary tax contributions from Spanish citizens who choose to support it.
The debate comes at a time when migration remains a major issue in Spain. In 2025 alone, more than 17,700 migrants arrived in the Canary Islands, many risking their lives at sea. Church officials say their role is to provide humanitarian support to people in need, regardless of political debates.
Pope Leo also recently spoke on the issue, reminding the public that migrants are human beings who deserve dignity and humane treatment. His message reinforces the Church’s position that compassion and care should guide how societies respond to migration.
Overall, the Spanish Church insists its mission is about helping people, not making a profit, and it continues to defend its work against what it sees as unfair political criticism.