Pope Francis decided to postpone his weekly catechesis to instead denounce the problem of unsafe migration routes.
He said, “Unfortunately, the seas and deserts of the migratory routes are places where many people die and, for this reason, as I have said on other occasions, they have become cemeteries.”
That is why he called for “safe access routes, where human trafficking is combated and a future of hope is built for all humanity.”
SUMMARY OF POPE FRANCIS' SPEECH IN ENGLISH:
Dear brothers and sisters:
In this Audience, I invite you to join me in thinking of and praying for our brothers and sisters who even now seek to escape war, violence, persecution and disasters and set out in search of a land where they can live in peace and security. Many of these migrants, including young children, suffer greatly and die along the way. Most of these tragedies could be prevented.
The teaching of Scripture is clear: God especially loves his children who are poor and in need, and we are called to help and defend them. Rather than more restrictive laws and the militarization of borders, what is needed is an expansion of secure and regular means of access, and a global goverance of migrations based on justice, fraternity and solidarity.
May we not turn a blind eye to these brothers and sisters, support those who seek to assist them and, above all, pray fervently for just solutions to this grave humanitarian crisis. I extend a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims taking part in today’s Audience, especially the group of students and teachers from Norway. Upon all of you, and your families, I invoke the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. May God bless you!
