“The drug cartels have taken over our territory, and we are under a state of siege, suffering widespread psychosis from narco blockades,” the local Roman Catholic Diocese said in a statement.

To reach Catholics in the pews—and to influence public policy on immigration—church leaders should make it clear that they are not advocating for “open borders.”

On his visit to Marseille last week, Pope Francis decried the “fanaticism of indifference” on the plight of migrants who risk their lives—and all too often lose them—in the attempt to reach Europe across the Mediterranean Sea.

Advocacy groups, including the U.S. bishops conference, have cautioned against allowing a government shutdown before the deadline on Sept. 30, urging lawmakers to come to an agreement and keep the government open.

Where’s the modern-day Catholic labor priest?

“The exploitation of migrants is criminal” as is their detention, Pope Francis told reporters in August, and “I am going to Marseille for this.”