Pope Francis urged this Sunday to address migratory phenomena as “something essential for the future of all”, responding with “fraternity, taking into account human life, specific people and their needs.”
At the end of the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Francis said the challenge posed by the migration emergency cannot be faced by countries alone, as Italy struggles to cope with a huge surge in arrivals from North Africa. .
“The phenomenon of migration is a challenge that is not easy to face, as we have seen in the news in recent days,” said Pope Francis.
And he continued: “It is a challenge that we must face together, since it is essential for the future of all, which will only be prosperous if it is built on fraternity, putting human dignity first, especially that of those most in need.”
In his speech, Francis also spoke of the trip he will make on Friday, September 22, to the French city of Marseille to participate in the closing of the third edition of the “Mediterranean Encounters.”
This event serves to “promote paths of peace, collaboration and integration, with special attention to the phenomenon of migration,” he explained on the occasion.
The Pope highlighted the “not easy challenge” posed by the arrival of thousands of immigrants to the island of Lampedusa, in Italy. It is something that “must be faced together,” he insisted.
Francis, who also asked to continue praying for the “tormented Ukrainian people” and for “peace in all lands bloodied by war,” focused his Angelus reflection on God’s mercy.
“The message of Jesus is clear: God forgives beyond measure, without measure. He is like that, he acts out of love and gratitude. We cannot reciprocate, but when we forgive our brother or sister, we imitate him. Therefore, Forgiveness is not a good action that you can do or not do, is a fundamental condition for a Christian,” he highlighted.
“Forgiveness is the oxygen that purifies the air contaminated by hate, it is the antidote that cures the poisons of resentment, it is the way to deactivate anger and cure so many heart diseases that contaminate society,” he added.
“Each of us” should “think about the person who has hurt us” and “forgive him,” he said. “This will do us good and restore peace to our hearts,” she stressed.
Source: TSF
