“I deeply regret that the migrant issue is caught in a political cloud, as the problem of migrants should not be a matter of right or left,” stated Cardinal Américo Aguiar, adding, “We are talking about people, some of whom, like the Portuguese in the past, come seeking better living conditions.”
Cardinal Américo Aguiar spoke to journalists during the opening of the IV More Social Congress in Câmara de Lobos, Madeira, where he delivered a lecture on the Church’s social economy.
The Bishop of Setúbal acknowledged the existence of issues with migrants, some of which are severe, but deemed it unfair to blame them for all the country’s challenges.
“We should not generalize and turn migrants into scapegoats, blaming them for the lack of doctors, housing, schools, and other services,” he said, emphasizing that “this is profoundly unfair.”
Américo Aguiar highlighted the situation on the Setúbal Peninsula, where migrants make up about 25% of the population, estimated at approximately one million residents, assuring that there are no serious issues threatening peaceful coexistence.
The IV More Social Congress, running until Thursday, is organized by Câmara Municipal de Câmara de Lobos and Casa São José, a private social solidarity institution based in the municipality, aiming to promote reflections and share knowledge on social economy and inclusion.
In this context, Cardinal Américo Aguiar warned about the “serious problem” of a lack of workers in the social sector.
“We need to be attentive to this reality in the social sector,” he cautioned, noting that “the social sector is very important for the balance of society,” particularly in institutions managing daycare centers, nursing homes, health units, and educational establishments.
The Bishop of Setúbal emphasized the need for “heightened attention to people,” both those providing service and those receiving it.
Américo Aguiar also addressed the housing crisis, suggesting that the solution involves engaging all private, public, and social sector agents.
“I urge dioceses, parishes, congregations, and institutes to consider their assets and the possibilities of collaborating in making housing available, so that young people can leave the nest earlier,” he said.
Considering Eurostat data showing that Portuguese youth leave home at an average age of 28.9, ranking seventh in the European Union, Américo Aguiar stated that the solution requires better economic conditions.
“We cannot pressure young couples to have children and increase the population without creating compatible economic conditions for housing and work,” he warned.
