Church’s solicitude for gypsies.

(March 2, 2010) The concern of the Church for the plight of gypsies was expressed on Tuesday in the Vatican, by the Pontifical Council for the pastoral care of Migrants and itinerant people. Archbishop Antonio Maria Veglio, the Council’s president told the meeting of National Directors for the pastoral care of gypsies in Europe, that it was necessary for a greater participation of the gypsies in the life of the Church and the also the need to make the Church more present in their midst. The aim of the present meeting, he said, is to find new methods and approaches, to facilitate a better understanding between gypsies and the church. He also expressed the need to define priorities and formulate proposals for more effective coordination between the local European churches and the various ecclesial and civil organisations that work tirelessly on behalf of gypsies. Archbishop Veglio said the legacy of the Council and papal teachings requires from us an examination of conscience, on our fidelity to the vocation and mission that the church has entrusted to us – to be the church of everyone, particularly of the poor. He noted that today, many gypsies are no longer ignored as they were in the past, as many international and national organisations operate for their fundamental rights. However, the fact remains, said the prelate that a large part of gypsies are still excluded from their rights. Stating that the phenomena of racism and xenophobia often hamper a peaceful, human and democratic community life, Archbishop Veglio also called on gypsies to assume their duties in the countries, in which they live. From a pastoral point of view, the prelate urged the gypsies to accept the maternal friendship of the church.