Catholic Missionaries Condemn EU's New Repatriation Regulation

Missionary institutes in Italy, together with the European Episcopal Conference, have issued a formal denunciation of the European Union's newly approved repatriation regulation. The regulation, adopted by the European Parliament, permits the detention of migrants for up to 24 months, allows extensions under certain conditions, establishes mutual recognition of return decisions among member states, and introduces the use of "repatriation hubs" located in third‑country territories. The missionaries argue that the rule threatens transparency and fundamental rights, increases the costs and dangers of migration journeys, and undermines the dignity of individuals seeking safety. Citing a quote attributed to Pope Leo XIV, they stress that migration policies must centre on human dignity, the right to asylum, family unity and protection of the most vulnerable, rather than solely on procedural and border‑control considerations.