Catholic Priest in Western Sahara Highlights Migrant Crisis and Faith
On September 23, 2024, Father Mario León Dorado, Apostolic Prefect of Western Sahara, spoke to ACN about the challenges facing migrants in the region. He noted that the Catholic Church has maintained a presence since 1954, serving small communities in El Aaiún and Dajla. Dorado emphasized that faith helps migrants endure difficult conditions, citing cases of women facing exploitation and poverty. He criticized restrictive visa policies and the dangers of illegal migration routes controlled by mafias, which have led to thousands of deaths in the Atlantic. The Church aims to provide holistic support, including psychological aid and assistance in registering children to ensure their rights and access to education.