Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles said the issue of migration was among the topics discussed with the pope, who told them "how it's important for all of us in the church to be open and welcome immigrants."
More than 2,000 Central Americans, part of the latest migrant caravan attempting to reach the United States, passed by this Casa del Migrante as they fled a worsening situation of violence, state corruption and systemic poverty in their home nations.
Slower population growth in the United States is worrisome for the nation's economic growth, but welcoming immigrants and supporting families could be a viable solution, write the Editors.