In the end, other European countries, in addition to Italy, have had to come to terms with reality in terms of immigration. Germany, Austria, Denmark, Greece and the Netherlands are ready to create repatriation centers for migrants outside the perimeter of the EU. 

According to rumors, it would seem that the states identified for this operation are Uganda and Rwanda.

It is an attempt to respond to the phenomenon of uncontrolled migratory flows.

Here it is not a question of questioning the right to emigrate which, moreover, is expressly provided for by art. 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. If anything, it is a matter of explaining that the right to emigrate does not correspond to an automatic right to immigrate, that is, to be welcomed by a foreign country. In fact, the objective conditions of a possible reception are decisive.

Italy, for example, cannot accommodate the entire population of the African continent who intend to emigrate, also because of an obvious question of space. But not only that. On this point I share the balanced position of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.

I am referring, in particular, to the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, which specifically addresses the question in paragraph 298, stating that migratory flows must be regulated. Indeed, it is specified that such regulation represents an “essential condition” for guaranteeing the dignity of immigrants. Welcoming everyone indiscriminately and then forcing them to live in indecent and inhuman conditions cannot be considered a just act.

There are two criteria – according to the aforementioned paragraph 298 – that must underlie regulatory action: “equity and balance”.

It must therefore be a sustainable reception from a social, economic and even cultural point of view. But are we really so sure that immigration corresponds to the interests of poor countries?

I was very impressed, about ten years ago, by the appeal that Msgr. Nicolas Djomo Lola, at the time Bishop of Tshumbe and President of the Bishops’ Conference of the Democratic Republic of Congo, addressed to young Africans in his opening speech at the meeting of the Pan-African Catholic Youth, held in Kinshasa from 21 to 25 August. 2015.

On that occasion, Bishop Djomo urged the participants not to be “deceived by the illusion of leaving Africa in search of non-existent jobs in Europe and America”, warning them of the danger deriving “from the deceptions of new forms of destruction of the culture of life, of moral and spiritual values”. He also added this interesting exhortation: “Use your talents and other resources at your disposal to renew and transform our continent and for the promotion of lasting justice, peace and reconciliation in Africa”.

And he concluded, moved, by pronouncing these words: “You are the treasure of Africa. The Church is counting on you, your continent needs you.”

Is there not the risk, by taking this treasure away from Africa, of creating a form of sinister neo-colonialism?