Dialogue and Cooperation:
Toward the International Conference on Theology and Migration in Taiwan
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As part of its visit to Taiwan from August 20 to 25, 2026, the Scalabrini International Migration Institute, led by His Eminence Cardinal Álvaro Leonel Ramazzini Imeri, carried out a mission focused on strengthening international academic cooperation, fostering dialogue with institutions, and exploring key social issues related to human mobility.
Toward the Taipei International Conference
Among the highlights of the visit was the meeting at Fu Jen Catholic University in Taipei, where the delegation had the opportunity to tour the university campus and discuss more about the organization of the upcoming International Conference, which will be held at Fu Jen Catholic University from May 27 to 30, 2027. The conference, titled Migration, Human Dignity, and Social Transformations. International Conference on Migration, Theological and Social Studies, aims to promote an interdisciplinary dialogue among theology, sociology, anthropology, ethics, and political science. The initiative will bring together academics, religious leaders, representatives of civil society, and individuals with direct experience of migration. Key areas of focus include the theology of hospitality, human dignity, integration, the role of women in migration processes, education, interreligious dialogue, and Christian witness in contexts of conflict and displacement. The goal is to contribute to a shared reflection on the social transformations generated by human mobility and on the prospects for justice, solidarity, and participation.
Institutional Dialogue and Focus on the Local Context
The mission also provided important opportunities for dialogue with national institutions. In particular, the delegation was received at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where it met with Minister Lin Chia-lung and Deputy Minister François Chihchung Wu, along with other ministry officials, with whom it engaged in a fruitful dialogue on key issues related to human mobility and potential avenues for collaboration.
The visit also provided an important opportunity to gain a closer understanding of the island’s social, cultural, and ecclesial realities. In this context, the delegation met with various organizations committed to accompanying and supporting migrants and foreign workers, visiting, among others, the Hope’s Workers Center and several parish and community groups. The meeting with His Excellency Bishop John Lee Keh-mien, President of the Episcopal Conference and Bishop of the Diocese of Hsinchu, provided an opportunity to explore the role of the Catholic Church in Taiwan’s social and pastoral context, highlighting its commitment to welcoming, accompanying, and supporting migrants.
During the mission, there was an opportunity to learn about some of the realities related to the presence of foreign workers in the Keelung area. Accompanied by representatives from the Rerum Novarum Social Service Center, the mission members visited several sites in the coastal and port areas, gaining insight into aspects of the life and work of the migrant communities in the region.
These encounters allowed the group to grasp the diversity of migration experiences in Taiwan and to gain a deeper understanding of the contribution made by church and social organizations in offering guidance, assistance, and support to individuals and communities involved in processes of human mobility.
A Journey Toward the International Conference on May 27–30, 2027
The visit thus represented an important opportunity to consolidate academic and institutional relationships and, at the same time, to deepen understanding of the organizations actively working in the field of human mobility. This journey is part of the preparations for the International Conference Migration, Human Dignity and Social Transformations:International Conference on Migration, Theological and Social Studies , to be held in Taipei at Fu Jen Catholic University from May 27–30, 2027, a significant convergence point for scientific research, interdisciplinary dialogue, and a commitment to serving migrants.