The preservation of human dignity
rather than personal wellbeing must be the main criterion for
welcoming, protecting and integrating migrants and refugees,
Pope Francis said on World Day of Migrants and Refugees on
Sunday.
"Let us be touched by the story of so many of our brothers and
sisters in difficulty, who have the right both to emigrate and
not to emigrate, and let us not close ourselves in
indifference," said the pope on X, echoing his own words at the
closing session of Mediterranean Meetings in Marseille on
Saturday.
"The difficulties of welcoming, protecting, promoting and
integrating people who are not expected are there for all to
see," continued the Pope.
"But the main criterion cannot be the preservation of one's own
well-being, but rather the preservation of human dignity," he
added.
The Catholic Church celebrates the World Day of Migrants and
Refugees each year on the last Sunday in September.
In his address on Saturday Pope Francis rejected the prevailing
narrative of a migrant invasion as "alarmist propaganda" and
said those who risk their lives at sea in search of protection
and a better life just want to be welcomed.
He also called for more and sustainable legal pathways of entry
for refugees and migrants seeking safety and a better life in
Europe, as well as a "fair" reception system across the bloc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
