Palm Sunday a day for truth-telling about refugees

Sunday, 29th March marks Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week and an opportunity to call for justice, respect and kindness – including towards refugees and people seeking asylum, both here in Australia and around the world. 

Ahead of Palm Sunday, the Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA) calls for urgent action by the Federal Government to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all people seeking refuge and asylum in Australia. 

“As an alliance guided by Catholic Social Teaching, we are committed to welcoming the stranger and upholding the dignity of all people, regardless of their status or circumstance,” said Julie Edwards, CEO of Jesuit Social Services and Convenor of CAPSA. 

Last year, Pope Leo XIV said in his message to mark World Day of Refugees and Migrants, “The current global context is sadly marked by wars, violence, injustice and extreme weather events, which force millions of people to leave their homelands in search of refuge elsewhere. Faced with frightening scenarios and the possibility of global devastation, it is important that there be a growing desire in people’s hearts for a future of peace and of respect for the dignity of all.” 

CAPSA is a collaborative national alliance of Catholic organisations who advocate for policy changes to achieve more just outcomes for refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia.  

Recently, CAPSA made a submission to the Senate Inquiry into Offshore Processing and Resettlement Arrangements, highlighting grave concerns about the suffering caused by current policies, and urging the Government to use its strength in parliament to initiate a fair, humane and principled reset of Australia’s treatment of refugees and people seeking asylum.   

“Palm Sunday is a day for truth-telling about refugees, a time to get them back in the news and into the minds and hearts of all Australians, including our political representatives,” Ms Edwards said. 

“Rallies being held across Australia are a moment for people to publicly witness peace and social justice for all. In that same spirit, we come together again in 2026 to call for communities where people seeking asylum feel safe, respected and valued.” 

CAPSA encourages Australians to participate in a Palm Sunday rally; visit www.commongrace.org.au/palm_sunday_2026 to find a rally near you.  
 
Media enquiries: Kathryn Kernohan, 0409 901 248 or kathryn.kernohan@jss.org.au