Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the UN global compacts on migration and refugees (Report, 4 December) is the latest example of the president’s abdication of leadership on a defining issue of our time. It is to be hoped that other leaders respond by redoubling efforts, as they did when Mr Trump announced the US’s abandonment of the Paris agreement. The international community should look to another head of state, Pope Francis, for an example of true leadership. He has made clear that the unprecedented movement of people worldwide constitutes a global phenomenon. As such, it requires a global response, not the renunciation of responsibility. This message will be echoed in the Holy See’s contribution to discussions taking place this week in Mexico.
The pope has called our response to the plight faced by displaced people “a test of our humanity”. It is a test other leaders must not fail.
Chris Bain
Director, Cafod
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