Against the backdrop of rising anti-migrant protests across South Africa, the Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa, Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński, has appealed for a renewed commitment to peace, justice and the dignity of every human person, warning against division, fear and exclusion.

Speaking during the annual reception marking the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul at the Apostolic Nunciature in Pretoria on 29 June, just one day before nationwide demonstrations targeting undocumented migrants, the Vatican diplomat concluded his address with a prayer that resonated with the country’s current climate.

“As we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, let us pray that their witness may inspire us to become builders of peace, servants of justice and promoters of human dignity,” Archbishop Jagodziński said before diplomats, Church leaders, government representatives and members of civil society.

His appeal came as South Africa prepared for coordinated protests calling for stronger action against undocumented migration. While many demonstrations remained peaceful, incidents of violence and intimidation were reported in several parts of the country, highlighting growing social tensions around migration, unemployment and crime.

Human dignity before every political debate

Without referring directly to the planned demonstrations, Archbishop Jagodziński centred his address on the Church’s enduring social teaching, stressing that every political, economic and technological development must ultimately serve the human person.

Reflecting on the first Encyclical of Pope Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence, the Nuncio said its message extends far beyond technological questions.

“The Holy Father reminds us that every scientific, economic and political development must remain at the service of human dignity and the common good,” he said.

He noted that the Encyclical reaffirms principles that have long guided the Holy See’s diplomatic engagement: the primacy of the human person, international cooperation, protection of human rights, just economic structures and solidarity with the weakest and most vulnerable.

The Vatican Official also highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s warning against what he described as a “culture of power”—a mentality marked by domination, geopolitical rivalry, ideological polarization and the normalization of conflict.

Instead, he said, the Pope proposes the path of a “Civilization of Love,” founded on solidarity rather than domination, fraternity instead of exclusion, and trust rather than fear.

“Every person must be regarded not as a means to an end, but as a subject possessing an inviolable dignity bestowed by God,” the Nuncio said.

Ubuntu and fraternity

Drawing connections between Catholic social teaching and South Africa’s own philosophical heritage, Archbishop Jagodziński said the country’s spirit of Ubuntu offers an important contribution to the global search for peace and social cohesion.

“The philosophy of Ubuntu, which recognizes our shared humanity and mutual responsibility, finds a natural convergence with the Christian vision of fraternity,” he said. “Both remind us that no nation, no community and no individual can flourish in isolation.”

He also recalled the visit of Cyril Ramaphosa to the Vatican last November, during which appreciation was expressed for the Catholic Church’s contribution to education, healthcare, reconciliation and social development in South Africa.

The Nuncio praised the President’s emphasis on solidarity, multilateral cooperation and the common good, noting that these aspirations closely align with the Holy See’s diplomatic mission and South Africa’s G20 Presidency under the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”

A Christian response

Without dismissing the legitimate challenges faced by governments in managing migration, security and economic hardship, Archbishop Jagodziński reminded those gathered that peace cannot be separated from justice, charity and truth.

“Pope Leo XIV therefore encourages us to build a civilization of love through concrete actions: by rejecting hatred and polarization, promoting justice, listening to the voices of victims, strengthening diplomacy and multilateral cooperation, and fostering dialogue among peoples, cultures and religions,” he said.

The Nuncio concluded by describing South Africa itself as a powerful witness to the possibility of reconciliation.

“Born from dialogue, reconciliation and the triumph of hope over division, this nation offers the world a powerful testimony that even deeply rooted conflicts can be overcome through mutual respect and courageous leadership.”

A nation under strain

The Apostolic Nuncio message came as communities across South Africa experienced heightened tensions surrounding undocumented migration.

On 30 June, protests took place in several provinces. In Johannesburg’s Hillbrow, two people were injured after gunmen allegedly opened fire on demonstrators before being arrested. The violence prompted the deployment of the South African National Defence Force to stabilize the area.

Elsewhere, police intervened to prevent confrontations after protesters attempted to force the closure of foreign-owned businesses and conduct their own inspections of businesses suspected of employing undocumented migrants. Authorities repeatedly reminded demonstrators that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of the Department of Home Affairs and law enforcement agencies.

According to news reports national authorities announced that more than 900 people had been arrested during operations linked to the demonstrations and routine policing. Charges ranged from public violence and looting to offences under the Immigration Act. At the same time, thousands of foreign nationals from countries including Uganda, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Ghana began voluntary repatriation processes, while many others remained stranded at border towns and transport hubs awaiting assistance.

Meanwhile, organisers of the demonstrations have vowed to continue weekly protests until government responds to their demands regarding undocumented migration.