Alberto Ares Mateos, SJ, Director of JRS Europe; Jennifer Gómez Torres, PhD, migration researcher and member of Cáritas Española; and María del Carmen de la Fuente, Director of the Jesuit Migrant Service in Spain published a book entitled "Ser Puerta Abierta" (To Be an Open Door). They bring together theology, biblical tradition, and the lived experience of those who accompany displaced people every day. They present hospitality not as a one-time gesture, but as a profound spiritual force capable of healing wounds, reconciling communities, and building a shared future. The book can be acquired here. The number of people forced to flee their homes has surpassed 123 million worldwide — the highest in history. In the face of this staggering reality, three migration experts call for a simple yet radical response: hospitality. A Prophetic Call for Hospitality The book’s launch coincides with the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees and the Jubilee of Migrants in Rome (October 4–5). In his message for the occasion, Pope Leo XIV described migrants and refugees as “messengers of hope,” echoing the authors’ conviction that hospitality is more than charity: it is a prophetic act of justice and reconciliation. Hospitality has become a central value for the Society of Jesus, inspiring initiatives such as GIAN Migration, the Paths of Hospitality campaign, and JRS Europe’s policy paper on Hospitality-Driven Reception. From local “communities of hospitality” to international advocacy, Jesuit works seek to transform the way societies welcome people on the move, grounding action in dignity, autonomy, and solidarity. A Growing Crisis, a Spiritual Response Over the past decade, the number of forcibly displaced people has almost tripled, rising from 43 million to over 123 million, according to UNHCR. The Jesuit Refugee Service alone supported more than 1.15 million people in 2024, including nearly 200,000 across Europe, offering education, legal aid, healthcare, and pastoral care. This reality, lived daily by those accompanying refugees, shapes the vision of Ser puerta abierta. The authors insist that hospitality is not optional — it is both an ancient tradition and a revolutionary practice. “The question is no longer only how to manage arrivals,” they write, “but what kind of society we want to build together. To open the door is to change lives — ours and theirs alike.”

On 11 September 2025, JCEP had the joy of welcoming two newly appointed European Provincials: Fr Pavel Bačo SJ, Provincial of the Czech Province (BOH), and Fr Ronny Alessio SJ, Provincial of the Euro-Mediterranean Province (EUM), which includes Albania, Italy, Malta, and Romania. They were accompanied by Fr Gonzalo Villagrán SJ, newly appointed Socius of the President of JCEP. The visit began at the Chapel for Europe, where the Provincials discovered the ecumenical mission of this Jesuit-led space at the heart of the EU Quarter. They learned how the Chapel offers a place of prayer and reflection for people engaged in European affairs, while also fostering dialogue between Christian traditions. At the Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC), staff presented their work in Brussels and highlighted collaborations with other Jesuit institutions across Provinces and the wider Society of Jesus, including global initiatives such as the ongoing COP30 campaign. The encounter gave the Provincials a deeper insight into how JESC connects Ignatian spirituality with social, political, and ecological issues in the European context. A joint coffee break with the team of JRS Europe followed, providing an informal moment of fraternity before the Provincials continued their visit at the JRS offices. Welcomed by Director Fr Alberto Ares SJ, they engaged in dialogue about projects underway across Europe and the pressing challenges of migration and asylum. The exchange reaffirmed the shared Jesuit mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for refugees and forcibly displaced people. The Provincials also met with the Coordinator of Religious Teachers at the European Schools of Brussels, Annie Thumelaire. They gained insight into the opportunities and challenges of teaching religion in a multilingual, multicultural setting. This series of encounters offered the Provincials a living picture of Jesuit apostolic engagement in Brussels—spiritual, social, intellectual, and educational. Their visit confirmed the richness of collaboration across Provinces and institutions, as Jesuits and their partners seek to respond together to the Universal Apostolic Preferences in the European context.

The Catholic Media Association has awarded a film produced in Poland by Jesuit Refugee Service USA, which tells the story of Ukrainian refugees in that country. The production received first prize in the category of social justice issues. The film offers a poignant portrayal of the challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees and the solidarity extended by the Polish community. The documentary features firsthand accounts from refugees, volunteers, and JRS Poland staff, led by director Dariusz Michalski, providing an intimate look into their experiences and the humanitarian response Catholic Media Awards Recognition The Catholic Media Association's annual awards celebrate excellence in Catholic media across various categories. The "Best Video – Social Justice Issues" category acknowledges productions that effectively raise awareness and inspire action on social justice topics. This year's award underscores the film's powerful storytelling and its contribution to fostering understanding and compassion for refugees. Impact of the Film The documentary has been instrumental in shedding light on the plight of Ukrainian refugees and the efforts of JRS in providing essential services such as shelter, education, and psychosocial support. By capturing the human stories behind the crisis, the film has mobilized support and advocacy for displaced individuals, aligning with JRS's mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for refugees worldwide.

JRS UK has recently published its last report entitled “Accessing legal advice in detention: becoming an impossibility”. The report draws on research from Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre, Accessing legal advice in detention: becoming an impossibility exposes severe dysfunction in the Detained Duty Advice Scheme (DDAS), with only 38% of those surveyed receiving any legal representation. Key findings include: Many detained people never receive the legal consultation they’re entitled to under the Detained Duty Advice Scheme (DDAS). Legal advisors often lack capacity, leaving even strong cases without representation. Automatic legal representation under the Detained Asylum Casework (DAC) system frequently fails. Remote provision of legal advice, leaving vulnerable people confused and vulnerabilities going unnoticed. Legal advisors declining to take on cases requiring Exceptional Case Funding. Poor quality and incomplete legal representation This lack of timely and effective legal support leaves detainees at greater risk of wrongful deportation, prolonged detention, and separation from their families. David Ryall, Director of JRS UK, said: “This report confirms what JRS UK encounters time and again: people in immigration detention are being denied access to justice. Without legal advice, people face separation from their families and return to countries where they are at risk of persecution or even death. This is a profound moral failure. It is the result of deep-rooted systemic issues with the functioning of legal aid for asylum and immigration cases, combined with structural problems in immigration detention itself. Urgent action is needed.” The report calls for urgent reform to legal aid provision and a reconsideration of the use of detention as a tool of immigration control. Recommendations from JRS UK include automatic legal appointments with clear communication and interpreter access; a Legal Aid Agency review of DDAS providers to improve quality and capacity; and in-person legal support at detention centres. Download the full report here: Accessing legal advice in detention July 2025 The Jesuit Refugee Service UK (JRS UK) is the refugee agency of the Jesuits in Britain, accompanying, serving and advocating for the rights of refugees and people seeking asylum. To find out more about the work please visit the website here.

Brussels, 24 June 2025 — On this day, JRS Europe had the privilege of joining civil society actors, faith-based organizations, and frontline workers at the Voices of Hope event – a powerful gathering that amplified the lived experiences and aspirations of migrants and refugees in Europe. Hosted in Brussels, the event spotlighted inspiring initiatives supporting the integration and empowerment of displaced people, especially women and children. The event opened with a deeply personal reflection from Raymond A. Parcon, representing JRS Europe. He spoke not only as a member of JRS but also as someone who has lived the journey of migration firsthand. His words underscored the shared humanity that binds us all and the vital role of accompaniment in JRS’s mission. The Mariama Project: Empowering Young Women on the Margins Sr. Marie Vaillant, FMA, from the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco Ganshoren, presented the Mariama Project – a shining example of compassionate and targeted support for young migrant women. Aimed at girls aged 17 to 21, the project responds to the alarming vulnerabilities faced by migrant minors, particularly those at risk of modern-day slavery, exploitation, and social exclusion. Through six dedicated places in the Ganshoren boarding school, young women are provided not just shelter, but holistic care – including psychosocial support from the Umoya collective, educational guidance, and pathways toward work or further study. Sr. Vaillant highlighted the strength and courage of the girls in the program and called for greater attention to gender-specific migration challenges. The School of Peace: Building Bridges Through Education Mr. Natan Phuati Nzita, from the Community of Sant’Egidio, shared the impact of their School of Peace Project, which offers free, non-formal education to children, many of whom come from migrant or disadvantaged backgrounds. With warmth and conviction, Nzita described how the initiative fosters a culture of peace, where friendship, respect, and intercultural exchange flourish. In a time when children are often the most affected by forced migration, the School of Peace becomes a vital sanctuary. Language support, cultural engagement, and after-school tutoring help migrant children find a sense of belonging while improving their academic and social skills. The Livelihood Project: Restoring Dignity and Confidence Mr. Vincenzo Chiaiese, also from JRS Europe, closed the presentations with insights from JRS’s Livelihood Project, which supports socio-economic inclusion for refugees and migrants across Europe. Drawing from the latest regional report, Chiaiese highlighted best practices and shared stories of resilience and innovation from diverse local contexts. By centering the voices of those directly affected and promoting community-driven solutions, the Livelihood Project reinforces the importance of empowerment through meaningful work and education.  

In a world still marked by displacement, uncertainty, and deep inequality, the mission of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Europe remains clear and urgent: to accompany, serve, and advocate for refugees and forcibly displaced people. As crises evolve and new challenges emerge, our presence—across borders, languages, and cultures—remains rooted in compassion, commitment, and concrete action. Throughout 2024, our teams across Europe walked alongside more than 198.000 individuals seeking protection, stability, and dignity. This accompaniment took many forms: legal support, pastoral care, mental health services, education in emergencies, peacebuilding, and the simple but radical act of listening. Behind these actions is a vibrant network of nearly 800 professional staff and over 6,900 volunteers, active in 241 locations across 23 European countries. With the help of partners, donors, and communities, our country offices invested over €29 million to respond to needs and uphold the rights of those who are too often left on the margins. For full details on numbers and project highlights: Download THE 2024 ANNUAL REPORT.