Pope Francis held this simple meeting with a group of families who arrived safely in Italy thanks to the St. Egidio community's humanitarian corridors initiative.
The pope wanted these migrants to accompany him as he unveiled a symbolic cross. He first gave a powerful address on building walls against people looking for a better life.
POPE FRANCIS
“Blocking the boats is not the way to solve the problem. Serious efforts must be made to empty the detention camps in Libya, evaluating and implementing all possible solutions. We must denounce and prosecute traffickers who exploit and abuse migrants, without fear of revealing collusion and complicity among institutions.”
The pope said it is injustice that forces migrants to risk their lives at sea. There they either die, or if they're lucky, are rescued by the NGOs who operate on the Mediterranean. Pope Francis thanked these organizations for their work.
POPE FRANCIS
“Rescuers have told me how they're learning humanity from the people they save. They have shared with me how in each mission they rediscover the beauty of being a single, big, human family, united in universal fraternity.”
The cross incorporates a life-vest found last July by these same humanitarian organizations. Neither the identity nor the origin of the person who wore the vest are known.
POPE FRANCIS
“I have decided to display this life-vest, 'crucified' on this cross, to remind us to keep our eyes open, to keep our hearts open, to remind everyone of the obligatory duty to save each human life. It is a moral responsibility that unites believers and non-believers.”
Afterward, Pope Francis proposed a moment of silent prayer. After a a few moments, he said goodbye to his guests. He affectionately blessed these people who have been given a second chance, far from their homes, but finally in a safe country.
Ángeles Conde
Translation: Claudia Torres
