Share

Hostility to migrants is unchristian - Pope

Vatican City - People who resent or act aggressively towards migrants defy the teachings of the Bible, Pope Francis said on Tuesday.

The announcement follows a mass influx of refugees across the Mediterranean Sea into Europe, with the arrival of more than 120 000 would-be asylum seekers to Italy so far this year.

At least 2 000 of them are estimated to have died while trying to make the sea crossing.

"Large numbers of people are leaving their homelands, with a suitcase full of fears and desires, to undertake a hopeful and dangerous trip in search of more humane living conditions," the pope said in a message for the World Day for Migrants and Refugees, which the Catholic Church will celebrate on 18 January.

"Often, however, such migration gives rise to suspicion and hostility, even in ecclesial communities, prior to any knowledge of the migrants' lives or their stories of persecution and destitution," Francis said.

"In such cases, suspicion and prejudice conflict with the biblical commandment of welcoming with respect and solidarity the stranger in need," he added.

Francis has repeatedly spoken out for the rights of migrants and other destitute people. Following his election in March 2013, the pope made his first trip to Lampedusa, an Italian island that is often the first port of call for Europe-bound sea migrants.

In his latest message, he said solidarity towards migrants and refugees should be accompanied by "a more just and equitable financial and economic order, as well as an increasing commitment to peace, the indispensable condition for all authentic progress."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will survive a motion of no confidence against her?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, her days are numbered
41% - 421 votes
Yes, the ANC caucus will protect her
59% - 598 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
18.93
+0.0%
Rand - Pound
23.89
+0.0%
Rand - Euro
20.39
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.33
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
+0.0%
Platinum
908.05
+1.2%
Palladium
1,014.94
+1.3%
Gold
2,232.75
-0.0%
Silver
24.95
-0.1%
Brent Crude
87.00
+1.8%
Top 40
68,346
+1.0%
All Share
74,536
+0.8%
Resource 10
57,251
+2.8%
Industrial 25
103,936
+0.6%
Financial 15
16,502
-0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE