Thousands of people gathered in Taiwan for the first Church-sponsored Conference for Migrant Workers and Immigrants, calling for stronger care and pastoral support for migrants. The national event took place at the Taoyuan Arena in the Diocese of Hsinchu on September 21, with around 8,000 participants, mostly migrants and itinerant people.
The gathering aimed to create a concrete pastoral plan that will help improve the lives of migrants in Taiwan. It also served as an expression of gratitude for their daily contributions to the growth and development of Taiwanese society. More than 400 clergy members, including archbishops, bishops, religious leaders, and Vatican representatives, joined the event to show their support.
Monsignor Erwin Balagapo, undersecretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, attended the conference and read a message from Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. The Cardinal described caring for migrants as a “sacred duty” and reminded participants that migrants should not be seen as a problem, but as people who reflect “the living face of Christ.”
Cardinal Tagle also recognized Christian migrants as “authentic missionaries of the Gospel,” highlighting their role in spreading faith through their daily lives and struggles. His message emphasized that the Church’s mission must always include protecting the dignity of migrants and showing solidarity with them.
During the homily, Monsignor Balagapo said the Church feels “profound joy” in migrants, calling them not only workers but also missionaries who remind the Church of its own journey as a pilgrim people. He explained that welcoming migrants is at the core of the Gospel, saying, “To welcome the migrant is to welcome Christ; to defend the dignity of workers is to defend the Lord Himself.”
The conference included liturgy, testimonies from migrants sharing their successes and struggles, and a shared meal to build unity. Migrants from the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia took part in the program, reflecting Taiwan’s diverse migrant community.
The event also connected with the wider mission of the Church in Asia, where movements like Laudato Si’ continue to inspire Catholics to protect both the environment and vulnerable people. Organizers said the conference is only the beginning of long-term plans to ensure migrants receive the care, respect, and dignity they deserve.
This first-of-its-kind conference in Taiwan marked an important step toward building a more inclusive society. Church leaders promised to continue working with migrants and communities to ensure their voices are heard and their well-being is fully supported