As migration across the Mediterranean continues to be marked by peril and human suffering, Franciscans from the region are working together to offer a different vision: transforming the Mediterranean from a “cemetery” – as Pope Francis once described it – to a home open to all.
The Franciscan Network of the Mediterranean (RFMed), founded in 2019 to connect Franciscan-led initiatives supporting migrants and refugees across Southern Europe and North Africa, aims to uphold the dignity of every person, particularly those forced to flee violence, poverty, and climate-induced devastation. “It is something that was dreamt of a long time ago,” says Brother Fabio L’Amour, OFM, who is part of the RFMed’s Coordination Committee.
This idea of creating a network around the Mediterranean started several years ago but was interrupted by the pandemic. Now, a new group has revived the project for good and chosen to focus on three pillars: migration, youth and ecology, and dialogue for peace.
In Morrocco, Br. Fabio L’Amour works directly with migrants: “We have a group of sisters and brothers who work to guarantee a daily service for migrants trying to cross the frontier in the north of the country. Every day, we receive 30 to 40 of them.”
“When they arrive, they are sometimes hurt, hungry, and in very bad condition,” he explains, “we give them some food, medical attention, and clothes because they have traveled a lot to arrive in Marrakech”.
Building a foundation for the next phase of the Network
From March 31 to April 4, 2025, the Franciscan Network of the Mediterranean held its annual meeting in Rhodes, Greece – a chance to take stock of recent progress and define collective priorities for the year ahead.
Brother Eunan McMullan, OFM, FI’s Europe Coordinator, joined other friars and lay associates for a week of dialogue and strategic planning. Sessions included workshops, shared prayer, and support to local projects at the friary such as food distribution.
While still in its early stages, the Network is steadily expanding its reach across the Mediterranean region. When asked about the Network’s next step, Br. L’Amour explains: “We found those who are working [on migration], and now we are going to plan what we could do as a group to collaborate and make the services better for those who are in need.”
During the week, FI also presented examples of how it amplified the voices of migrants and frontline communities at the United Nations, so as to demonstrate how local pastoral care and international advocacy can – and should – go hand in hand.
A Shared Commitment
“I think that the vision that we, the Franciscan family, have for the Network is not very different from the vision that Franciscans International has for the whole world,” says Br. Fabio, “so it’s natural that we connect with FI.”
As Franciscans International is now formally part of the Network’s coordination committee, this week in Greece offered us the opportunity to reaffirm a shared purpose together with other members of the RFMed: to serve people on the move through both concrete action and advocacy, foster dialogue, and turn the Mediterranean from a zone of exclusion into a region of solidarity.
“There is huge suffering,” states Br. L’Amour, “as Franciscans, we cannot be indifferent to that.”