Vatican City, 30 November 2014 (VIS) –
Pope Francis chose to conclude his final day in Turkey by meeting a
group of around a hundred refugees and asylum seekers. Christians and
Muslims, they were mostly from Iraq and Syria, although some were
from other countries in the Middle East and Africa, and have been
assisted for some time by the Salesian community in Istanbul. The
meeting took place in the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.
“I wish to assure you that I share
your sufferings; I hope my visit, by the grace of God, may offer you
some consolation in your difficult situation”, said the Pope.
“Yours is the sad consequence of brutal conflicts and war, which
are always evils and which never solve problems. Rather, they only
create new ones”.
He emphasised the difficulty of the
living conditions of refugees, who often find themselves deprived,
sometimes for long periods, of “basic needs such as a dignified
home, healthcare, education and work. They have had to abandon not
only their material possessions, but above all their freedom,
closeness to family, their homeland and cultural traditions. The
degrading conditions in which so many refugees are forced to live are
intolerable! For this reason, we must do everything possible to
eradicate the causes of this situation. I appeal for greater
international cooperation to resolve the conflicts which are causing
bloodshed in your homelands, to counter the other causes which are
driving people to leave their home countries, and to improve
conditions so that people may remain or return home. I encourage all
who are working generously and steadfastly for justice and peace not
to lose heart. I ask political leaders to always remember that the
great majority of their people long for peace, even if at times they
lack the strength and voice to demand it”.
The Holy Father praised the work of
many organisations in aid of refugees, including numerous Catholic
groups “which offer generous aid to many in need without
discriminating. I wish also to express deep gratitude to the Turkish
authorities for the great efforts they have made in assisting the
displaced, in particular Syrian and Iraqi refugees, and for the
authorities’ tangible commitment in trying to meet their needs. I
hope that the necessary support of the international community may
not be lacking”.
He offered some words of encouragement
to the young people present. “It is easy to say this, but please
make an effort not to be discouraged. With the help of God, continue
to hope in a better future, despite the difficulties and obstacles
which you are currently facing. The Catholic Church is with you,
including through the invaluable work of the Salesians. The Church,
in addition to other forms of help, also offers you the opportunity
to see to your education and formation. Remember always that God does
not forget any of his children, and that those who are the smallest
and who suffer the most are closest to the Father’s heart”.
“For my part, together with the whole
Church, I will continue to pray to the Lord, asking him to inspire
those in leadership, so that they will not hesitate to promote
justice, security and peace and do so in ways that are clear and
effective”, he concluded. “Through her social and charitable
organisations, the Church will remain at your side and will continue
to hold up your cause before the world. May God bless you all! Please
pray for me. Thank you!”
Following the meeting, the Pope
proceeded to the hospital to visit the Armenian Orthodox Patriarch
Mesrob II, who was admitted some years ago and remains in a coma. He
subsequently went to Ataturk Airport where, after farewell greetings
with the local civil and religious authorities, he departed for Rome.
The aircraft carrying the Holy Father landed at 6.40 p.m. Before
returning to the Vatican, he stopped in the Basilica of St. Mary
Major to commend the fruits of his apostolic trip in Turkey to the
Virgin.
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