Vatican City, 7 July 2014 (VIS) – The
Holy Father has sent a letter to Archbishop Francesco Montenegro of
Agrigento on the anniversary of his visit in July 2013 to the
Sicilian island of Lampedusa to pray for the African immigrants who
lost their lives when the boat they were travelling on capsized. “One
year on, the problem of immigration is becoming worse, and tragedies
of this type continue to occur with dogged regularity”, writes the
Pope. “Our heart struggles to accept the death of these, our
brothers and sisters, who face extenuating journeys to escape from
dramatic situations, poverty, wars and conflicts, often linked to to
international politics. Once again I spiritually reach out to the
Mediterranean Sea to weep with all those who suffer and to launch
flowers of prayer for the souls of the women, men and children who
are victims of a drama that seems to be without end.”
In his letter, Pope Francis emphasises
that this situation must be faced “not with the logic of
indifference but with the logic of hospitality and sharing in order
to protect and promote the dignity and centrality of every human
being”. Likewise, the Pontiff encouraged “Christian communities
and all people of good will to continue to reach out and lend a
helping hand to all those who are in need, without counting the cost,
without fear, with tenderness and understanding”, and expressed his
hope that “the competent institutions, especially at the European
level, may be more courageous and generous in relief for refugees”.
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