Spain diocese mobilises help after migrant surge

By CathNews New Zealand

August 4th, 2026

A group of African migrants in the Spanish city of Ceuta (Diocese of Cádiz and Ceuta/EWTN News)

A diocese in Spain is mobilising resources for migrant ministry after the illegal arrival of more than 50,000 people in the city of Ceuta on the African coast. Source: EWTN News.

The Diocese of Cádiz and Ceuta, led by Apostolic Administrator Ramón Valdivia (Auxiliary Bishop of Seville), expressed its “deep concern regarding the gravity of the events and the particular vulnerability of so many people affected by this situation”.

The Diocese reiterated its readiness “to collaborate with civil institutions and competent bodies” to address “any needs that may arise”.

In support of this commitment, the Diocese has directed that all weekend collections taken up in Ceutaʼs parishes on August 1-2 be allocated to the diocesan migrant ministry in order to channel aid through the San Antonio Migrant Care Centre.

“We thank the faithful and all people of goodwill in advance for their generosity, and we invite Christian communities to pray earnestly for those who are suffering, for those responsible for managing this situation and for all who work to build paths of peace, justice and hope,” the Diocese stated.

On social media, the Commission for Social Pastoral Care and Human Promotion of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference called for “measures addressing this situation to be taken within the framework of current law, with respect for human dignity and avoiding manipulation for partisan ends”.

Migrants are entering Spanish territory by swimming around the Tarajal breakwater, a border structure that extends into the sea located south of the autonomous city of Ceuta continuing the border fence that separates the Spanish town from Moroccan territory on land. The crossing, which can sometimes last for hours, is fraught with danger. At least 67 migrants died, with some drowned and others caught in a rush, the Associated Press reported.

On June 29, Spain’s Supreme Court issued a ruling rejecting the practice of “hot returns” (summary expulsions) applied to migrants intercepted at sea who attempt to swim into the Spanish territories of Ceuta and Melilla in Africa.

FULL STORY

Church in Spain grapples with sudden illegal arrival of 50,000 migrants (By Nicolás de Cárdenas/EWTN News)

Spain installs sea barrier on Ceuta’s border with Morocco after frontier rush that killed 67 (The Press/Associated Press – subscription required)

Pope Leo: ‘I follow with concern the alarming situation in Ceuta’ (Vatican News)