Pope Francis: Gypsies called to contribute to the common good

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis greeted the participants in an international meeting of Bishops and National Directors for the pastoral care of Gypsies  on Thursday, telling them that the Gypsy community is called to “contribute to the common good.” The theme of the conference was, “The Church and the Gypsies: Proclaiming the Gospel in the Peripheries.”

“Gypsies are often at the margins of society, and sometimes are viewed with hostility and suspicion; they are not strongly involved in the political, economic and social landscape,” Pope Francis said. “We know it's a complex reality, but certainly the Gypsy people are also called on to contribute to the common good, and this is possible with adequate paths of shared responsibility, observing the obligations and promoting the rights of each one.”

The Holy Father pointed to factors leading to the poverty endemic in the community, including a lack of educational facilities, poor access to healthcare, discrimination in the labor market, and a lack of decent housing.

“If these wounds to the social fabric affects everyone without distinction, those groups who are most vulnerable are the ones most likely to be made victims of new forms of slavery,” said Pope Francis.

“In fact, those who have the least protection are the ones who fall into the trap of exploitation, forced into begging and other kinds of abuse,” he continued. “The gypsies are among the most vulnerable, above all when they lack help for integration and the promotion of the individual in various dimensions of civilized life.”

He said this is the area in which the Church has a contribution to make.

“The Gospel … is a proclamation of joy for everyone, and especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized,” he said.

He said the commitment of local and national institutions, with the support of the international community, is necessary in identifying projects and works aimed at improving the quality of life for gypsies.

“In the face of difficulties and hardships of our brothers, everyone should feel themselves called focus their attention on the dignity of every human person,” said the Pope. “Regarding the situation around the world,  today more than ever it is necessary to develop new approaches in the civil, cultural and social spheres,  as well as in the Church's pastoral strategy:  to cope with the challenges arising from modern forms of persecution, oppression, and  sometimes even slavery.”

Pope Francis concluded his remarks by encouraging the pastoral ministers in their work, and urging them to continue their engagement with those marginalized and most in need.

“The gypsies can find in you brothers and sisters who love them with the same love with which Christ has loved the most neglected,” he said. “Be for them a joyful and welcoming face of the Church.”