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Pope urges compassion from politicians who fan racism, demean human dignity

Pope Francis on Friday excoriated politicians who foment fear of migrants, saying they were sowing violence and racism, and urged them to "practise the virtue of prudence" to help them integrate. The pope, who has made defence of migrants and refugees a major plank of his papacy, made his comments in a message prepared for the Roman Catholic Church's World Day of Peace, which is celebrated on Jan. 1 each year.

 

The message, whose title for 2018 is "Migrants and Refugees: Men and Women in Search of Peace", is traditionally sent to heads of state and government and international institutions. The message is being released as migration has become a top political issue in countries including the United States, Italy, Australia and Germany.

 

"Many destination countries have seen the spread of rhetoric decrying the risks posed to national security or the high cost of welcoming new arrivals, and doing so demeans the human dignity due to all as sons and daughters of God," he wrote. "Those who, for what may be political reasons, foment fear of migrants instead of building peace are sowing violence, racial discrimination and xenophobia, which are matters of great worry for all those concerned about the safety of every human being," he said.

 


פרסום ראשון: 11.24.17, 14:19