Pope Francis dedicated his weekly catechesis to reflecting on his trip to Marseille for the closing of the Mediterranean Meetings.
He assured that the fruit of the Mediterranean Meetings was the proposal of a different look at the Mediterranean. He called for a more humane approach to the flow of migration in this area. He said that it should not be a purely political or ideological view, but one that considers the human being as a brother.
SUMMARY OF THE POPE'S CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH:
Dear brothers and sisters:
My recent visit to Marseille coincided with the conclusion of a significant meeting of civil and religious leaders, and many young people, from the Mediterranean countries. The meeting’s theme, “Mosaic of Hope,” alluded to the hope of freedom that inspires migrants to undertake dangerous journeys, but also Europe’s own need for renewed hope in its future.
The Mediterranean region, which embraces three continents and a great variety of cultures, is called, especially at this time of forced migrations, to be a “workshop of civilization and peace” in the service of a more humane and fraternal world. The meeting thus reaffirmed the importance of respect for both the right to emigrate and the right not to emigrate, and the urgent need, in light of present migration patterns, for adequate structures of security, welcome and integration.
May young people in particular help to compose the “Mosaic of Hope” which is the present and future of the Mediterranean world, and likewise see that hope reflected in the faces of their brothers and sisters come from afar.
PA
TR: AT