The pope met with the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, which is celebrating its plenary assembly in Rome. These scholars and experts are meeting to analyze the concept of “nation.” Pope Francis asked them to continue developing ways that allow countries to collaborate rather, than confront one another.
The pope recalled the Church has always encouraged people to love their own country, but in a healthy way. He warned them of a reemerging attitude that sees foreigners as the culprit of all problems.
POPE FRANCIS
“The Church has warned individuals, peoples and governments about deviations from this bond with their homeland. This deviation is when a country becomes exclusive and a place of hatred for the others; and when it becomes a conflicted nationalism that builds walls, or becomes racist, or anti-Semitic.”
Pope Francis invited countries to collaborate with one another. He encouraged them not to see immigrants as a threat, but instead welcome, protect, promote and integrate them into society.
He also stressed the importance for immigrants to also make an effort in integrating into their new homeland.
POPE FRANCIS
“In this way, immigrants will be recognized as an opportunity to enrich the people who are helping to integrate them. The way a nation welcomes immigrants reveals its vision of human dignity and its relationship to humanity.'
Finally, the pope lamented that these nationalistic policies are damaging relationships between countries. Additionally, he again expressed his concern about the growth of the arms race; and the fact that many countries still have atomic weapons.
