VATICAN CITY, 18 JAN 2009 (VIS) - Before praying the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square at midday today, World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Benedict XVI turned his attention to the figure of St. Paul "emigrant and Apostle of the Gentiles".
This year's World Day of Migrants and Refugees is, in fact, dedicated to St. Paul "the great itinerant missionary of the Gospel", said the Pope. When he changed from being a persecutor of Christians to become the Apostle of the Gospel, Paul also became an 'ambassador' for the Risen Christ, making Him known to everyone in the conviction that in Him all peoples are called to form the great family of the children of God.
"This is also the Church's mission", he added, "and more so than ever in this period of globalisation. As Christians we cannot but ... transmit Jesus' message of love, especially to people who do not know Him or find themselves facing difficult and painful situations. Today my thoughts turn particularly to migrants. ... I would like to assure them that the Christian community is attentive to each person and each family, and that it asks St. Paul for renewed strength to favour peaceful coexistence in all parts of the world between men and women of different ethnic backgrounds, cultures and religions".
"Each of us", the Pope went on, "is called to bear witness to the Gospel, showing greater concern for those of our brothers and sisters who, for various reasons, have come from other countries to live among us". Thus, he said, we will appreciate "the phenomenon of migration as an opportunity for encounter between civilisations. Let us pray and act that this may happen peacefully and constructively, in respect and dialogue, avoiding any temptation to conflict or exploitation".
Benedict XVI also mentioned fishermen and sailors "who for sometime who have been suffering from increased problems. Apart from the difficulties they habitually confront, they are facing increased restrictions in going ashore and in welcoming chaplains on board, as well having to face the risk of piracy and the harm caused by illegal fishing. I express my closeness to them and the hope that their generosity in rescue operations at sea may be rewarded with greater recognition".
In closing, the Pope referred to the World Meeting of Families which comes to an end today in Mexico, and to today's opening of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
ANG/MIGRANTS/... VIS 20090119 (420)
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