Pope Francis in a video message addressed participants in a virtual conference organized by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, on the Syrian and Iraqi humanitarian crisis.
In his message, he remembered the millions of people who have been forced to leave their homes to escape the horrors of war and persecution.
POPE FRANCIS
“I especially remember Christians forced to abandon the places where they were born and raised, where their faith was developed and enriched.”
The pope also launched an appeal to the international community to make every effort to promote the return of displaced people to their homes.
POPE FRANCIS
“I appeal to the international community, so that every effort is made to facilitate this return, guaranteeing the security and economic conditions necessary for this to happen. Every gesture, every effort in this direction is precious.”
The pope also highlighted the importance of the work already being carried out by the Church to promote this mission.
POPE FRANCIS
“The Church is not an NGO. Our charitable action must be inspired by and for the Gospel. These forms of aid must be a tangible sign of charity of one local Church helping another Church that is suffering, through these wonderful vehicles that are Catholic agencies of humanitarian aid and development.”
Among participants were about 50 Catholic NGOs; representatives of local episcopates, ecclesial institutions and religious congregations working in Syria, Iraq and neighboring countries; and apostolic nuncios from the area.
The meeting focused on the best ways to help populations in the Middle East affected by the ongoing pandemic and resulting crises.
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