Two Books on Pope Francis and Migration Released in Burdwan, West Bengal

Burdwan, August 26, 2026: Two books edited by Fr Francis Sunil Rosario focusing on Pope Francis, migration and human trafficking were released at Chetana Pastoral Centre in Burdwan on August 25.

The books, Pope Francis – Life and Dream, Present Generation Pope and Migration and Human Trafficking, explore the life and vision of Pope Francis and the complex challenges surrounding migration and human trafficking.

Pope Francis – Life and Dream, Present Generation Pope was released by Fr Jaison Vadassery, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Migrants. The first copy was presented to Sr Lalita Parmer, SMI Provincial Secretary of the Calcutta SMI Province.

The Hindi edition of the book, originally written in English, was translated by Jitendra Jitanshu, who said he wanted Hindi-speaking readers to understand the message and vision of Pope Francis. The volume brings together articles by various scholars, offering a biographical account of Pope Francis and examining his dreams for the contemporary Church, along with reflections on his life and teachings.

The second book, Migration and Human Trafficking, was released by Advocate Sr Mukta Marandi, SCN, of Ranchi. Its first copy was presented to Sr Kavitha SDS of Raiganj.

The book examines the factors driving migration, the growing problem of human trafficking and possible ways of preventing the exploitation of vulnerable people. It also contains contributions from various authors on migration and its social consequences.

“Migration and human trafficking are grave concerns for the Bengal Church today. I felt that a book needed to be written to highlight these issues,” said Fr Rosario.

He said the book seeks to provide readers with different perspectives on migration and trafficking while offering practical ways of addressing the problems at the local level.

Drawing on his extensive research on migration in Bengal, Fr Rosario examines its impact on people's lives and the ways migrant communities gradually integrate into their places of destination by adapting to local cultures, food habits and languages.

The book also draws extensively from Church teachings on migration and the Christian responsibility to combat human trafficking. It calls for greater solidarity with victims and stresses the need to support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

In his introduction to the Hindi edition of the Pope Francis book, Jitanshu said he was inspired by the volume and wanted to share that inspiration with Hindi-speaking readers through his translation.

Bishop Paul Simmick of Bagdogra congratulated Fr Rosario on the publication of both books and said they would be valuable additions to parish libraries.

Fr. Rosario, a priest of the Archdiocese of Calcutta, has written and compiled several books and is actively involved in media, ecumenism, interreligious dialogue and ministry among migrants.

By I.P. Sarto