Pope Francis's recent defense of immigrant rights clashes with an uncomfortable reality: the Catholic Church often remains silent in the face of mass deportations or labor exploitation within its own works. While the Vatican issues statements, local parishes frequently look the other way when undocumented individuals are expelled. If the institution wants to be consistent, it must move from words to deeds.
Blockchain to track ecclesiastical charity 🔗
A technical solution would be to implement a public blockchain system to audit the use of ecclesiastical properties and funds intended for migrants. Each donation or opening of a shelter would be recorded on an immutable chain, accessible to any believer. This would force dioceses to be accountable in real time, preventing money from being diverted or speeches from remaining mere promises. Forced transparency could be more effective than a thousand homilies.
Holiness, open the convent door 🚪
The solution is simple: for the Vatican to open its empty properties as shelters. But of course, it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a cardinal to give up his summer palace. Meanwhile, migrants continue sleeping on the streets, and the Church is content with handing out blessings. At least they could swap the cathedral pews for folding beds. It would be a miracle, but without canonization.