On Thursday, 6 March we held the presentation of our book The Search for Home among Forced Migrants and Refugees at the Luigi Sturzo Institute in Rome.

It was an event dedicated to highlighting once again the crucial role that home plays in people’s lives, regardless of their income or external circumstances, as emphasised by our President, Sir Bryan K. Sanderson, CBE, in the Foreword of the publication.

This book invites us to rethink the comprehensive human needs of migrants and the fundamental importance of home as an essential requirement, given that they are vulnerable people on the move.

Professor Sophia Aguirre, President of Catholic International University and co-editor of this volume, reminded us that:

“Behind every migrant, there is a face, a person facing the challenge of displacement, striving to build a new life filled with joys and dreams. A roof over one’s head does not make a home; stability for these individuals comes from strong community support and deep interpersonal connections. These are the foundations of successful integration and inclusion, creating a sense of us and a home for all.”

Our distinguished guests, Vincenzo Bassi, Alberto Michelini, and Marco Impagliazzo, each shared their personal and professional insights, as well as a historical perspective on migration. They all reaffirmed that we cannot build the future without migrants, as they contribute their energy, labour, culture, and faith to our ageing societies.

Monsignor Robert J. Vitillo, author of one of the book’s chapters, concluded the event by stressing that family, faith, and hope are essential factors in strengthening the resilience of forced migrants at every stage of their journey—whether fleeing persecution, war, or a lack of access to dignified living conditions.

He also expressed his gratitude to Professor Antonio Argandoña, co-editor of the book, for ensuring that his chapter included not only the voices but also the photographs of forced migrants.

“It is important not only to read about their experiences but also to look into their eyes, observe their expressions, their strong and determined postures, and their peaceful yet resolute faces when they finally feel they have found a home—whether by remaining in their place of origin, integrating into their host countries, or making the radical adjustment of resettling in a third country with a culture, language, and socio-economic conditions significantly different from those of their birthplace.”