(refiles with correct take number)
Fomenting fears of
migrants sows the seeds of racist violence, Pope Francis said in
his message for next year's World Day of Peace Friday.
The pope also called on government officials to be "prudent
and responsible" in treating migrant issues.
He stressed that migrants must not be pushed back to places
of persecution and said migrants are not a threat but an
"opportunity" for a future of peace.
"Many destination countries have seen the spread of rhetoric
decrying the risks posed to national security or the high cost
of welcoming new arrivals, and by doing so demeans the human
dignity due to all as sons and daughters of God," Francis said
in his message.
"Those who, for what may be political reasons, foment fear of
migrants instead of building peace are sowing violence, racial
discrimination and xenophobia, which are matters of great
concern for all those concerned for the safety of every human
being," said the pontiff.
"All indicators available to the international community,"
he stressed, "suggest that global migration will continue for
the future.
"Some consider this a threat.
"For my part, I ask you to view it with confidence as an
opportunity to build peace."
Pope Francis called for four "mileposts" for action:
welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating.
"Welcoming", he said "calls for expanding legal pathways for
entry and no longer pushing migrants and displaced people
towards countries where they face persecution and violence.
"It also demands balancing our concerns about national
security with concern for fundamental human rights."
"Protecting", he went on, "has to do with our duty to
recognize and defend the inviolable dignity of those who flee
real dangers in search of asylum and security, and to prevent
their being exploited.
"I think in particular of women and children who find
themselves in situations that expose them to risks and abuses
that can even amount to enslavement.
"Promoting", in turn, "entails supporting the integral human
development of migrants and refugees," the pope said.
"Among many possible means of doing so, I would stress the
importance of ensuring access to all levels of education for
children and young people. This will enable them not only to
cultivate and realize their potential, but also better equip
them to encounter others and to foster a spirit of dialogue
rather than rejection or confrontation.
"Integrating", lastly, Francis said, "means allowing
refugees and migrants to participate fully in the life of the
society that welcomes them, as part of a process of mutual
enrichment and fruitful cooperation in service of the integral
human development of the local community."
Making a proposal for two international compacts, Francis
said: "t is my heartfelt hope this spirit will guide the process
that in the course of 2018 will lead the United Nations to draft
and approve two Global Compacts, one for safe, orderly and
regular migration and the other for refugees.
"As shared agreements at a global level, these compacts will
provide a framework for policy proposals and practical measures.
"For this reason, they need to be inspired by compassion,
foresight and courage, so as to take advantage of every
opportunity to advance the peace-building process.
"Only in this way can the realism required of international
politics avoid surrendering to cynicism and to the globalization
of indifference".
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