Response to migrants is mercy says pope

(ANSA) - Vatican City, August 20 - The Vatican on Thursday said the theme chosen by Pope Francis for the 102nd World Day for Migrants and Refugees on January 17 is "Migrants and refugees call to us. The Gospel's response is mercy". Francis has frequently urged the international community to do more to help migrants and refugees. The Pontifical Council for Migrants said the pope was rightly highlighting the "sea tragedies" in which hundreds of migrants have died in the Mediterranean.