18 - 22 September, 2016
Vught, The Netherlands

The 2016 AMI General Assembly took place in Vught, the Netherlands focusing on “The consequences of armed conflicts, especially for Catholic soldiers and their families in the background of Laudato Si” and “Mercy in Military Life.” Delegates examined the refugee crisis through the lens of Pope Francis’ call for mercy, recognizing the central role of militaries in border protection, refugee transport, and camp management.

Discussions emphasized the need for dignity and respect in treating refugees, despite challenges such as overcrowding, language barriers, cultural divides, limited resources, and the presence of infiltrators in camps. Speakers, including bishops and international experts, stressed training soldiers to respond with compassion rather than combativeness, and suggested practical tools like religious emblems or cards referencing AMI declarations to encourage merciful conduct.

The Assembly concluded that addressing root causes of migration—civil wars, insurgencies, weak governance, and exploitation of natural resources—was vital, with a role for the UN and African Union in stabilizing fragile states. Military-to-military cooperation and enforcement of protective measures were identified as additional stabilizing influences.

Finally, participants discussed strengthening AMI’s educational and NGO role, particularly through social media, networking, and year-round communication to support Catholic soldiers in living out mercy and moral responsibility.