Pope Francis met with members from the Plenary Assembly of ROACO, the Reunion of Aid Agencies to the Oriental Churches.
For 50 years, this body concentrates the efforts of different organizations from around the world who give aid to Middle Eastern Christians. They do so by building houses, parishes, health centers or awarding scholarships for study. It's all done in the hope that these Christians don't feel forced to abandon their homeland.
The Holy Father expressed his gratitude for their work and urged them to continue helping Middle Eastern Churches, whose members provide testimony that it's worth living and suffering for the Gospel, even if they are minorities or are persecuted.
The pope also expressed his desire for those who must emigrate to be well-received by the nations where they try to begin a new life.
