Vatican City, 15 July 2014 (VIS) –
Yesterday Pope Francis sent a message to the organisers, speakers and
participants in the “Mexico/Holy See Colloquium on Migration and
Development”, which was read during the inaugural session of the
event by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. In the text, the
Pontiff urges the international community to promote the adoption of
new forms of legal and safe migration and called for protection and
a suitable reception for the many children who migrate cross the
border with the United States unaccompanied. He also highlights the
need for policies to inform potential migrants of the dangers of such
a journey and above all, for initiatives to promote development in
their countries of origin.
“Globalisation is a phenomenon that
challenges us, especially in one of its principal manifestations
which is emigration. It is one of the 'signs' of this time that we
live in and that brings us back to the words of Jesus, 'Why do you
not know how to interpret the present time?'. Despite the large
influx of migrants present in all continents and in almost all
countries, migration is still seen as an emergency, or as a
circumstantial and sporadic fact, while instead it has now become a
hallmark of our society and a challenge.
“It is a phenomenon that carries with
it great promise and many challenges. Many people forced to emigrate
suffer, and often, die tragically; many of their rights are violated,
they are obliged to separate from their families and, unfortunately,
continue to be the subject of racist and xenophobic attitudes.
“Faced with this situation, I repeat
what I have affirmed in this year’s Message for the World Day of
Migrants and Refugees: 'A change of attitude towards migrants and
refugees is needed on the part of everyone, moving away from
attitudes of defensiveness and fear, indifference and marginalisation
– all typical of a throwaway culture – towards attitudes based on
a culture of encounter, the only culture capable of building a
better, more just and fraternal world'.
“I would also like to draw attention
to the tens of thousands of children who migrate alone,
unaccompanied, to escape poverty and violence: This is a category of
migrants from Central America and Mexico itself who cross the border
with the United States under extreme conditions and in pursuit of a
hope that in most cases turns out to be vain. They are increasing day
by day. This humanitarian emergency requires, as a first urgent
measure, these children be welcomed and protected. These measures,
however, will not be sufficient, unless they are accompanied by
policies that inform people about the dangers of such a journey and,
above all, that promote development in their countries of origin.
Finally, this challenge demands the attention of the entire
international community so that new forms of legal and secure
migration may be adopted.
“I wish every success to the laudable
initiative of the Mexican government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
in arranging a colloquium of study and reflection on the great
challenge of migration and cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing to
all those present”.
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