Pope calls for greater tolerance as gypsies deported from France

(Aug.24,2010) Pope Benedict XVI called for greater tolerance, as France continued its campaign to repatriate foreign-born gypsies from the country. Speaking in French, at the end of his Sunday Angelus message, to pilgrims gathered in the courtyard of the papal residence at Castelgandolfo, the Pope urged families to teach tolerance and educate their children about universal fraternity. The Pope’s invitation came amid the government-led campaign to expel foreign-born gypsies from France and dismantle illegal camps.
About 80 Romanian–born gypsies were flown back to Romania Aug. 19, bringing the number of gypsies expelled from France in August to about 200 people. More flights were scheduled for the rest of August and September, according to Romania’s Foreign Ministry. The expulsions were part of a voluntary repatriation program, in which, the government paid each adult about 380 dollars and each child about 130 dollars, to return to the country of origin, even though gypsies are members of the European Union, EU. In 2007, Romania joined the EU, which guarantees that citizens of member states enjoy freedom of movement. The French Govt. however, demands that the gypsies have work permits and prove they are able to support themselves.
Earlier in August Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, Secretary of Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travellers, had criticised the dismantling of 51 illegal gypsy camps. The Gypsy question is a serious issue for Europe because it involves the largest minority group in Europe.According to Amnesty International, about 20,000 gypsies from Eastern and Central Europe are estimated to be residing in France, many of them in illegal camps.