Pope’s message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees

(Oct.26, 2010) Migrants and local populations belong to one family, and all have the same right to enjoy the goods of the Earth, whose destination is universal, said Pope Benedict XVI in his message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees to be celebrated next January 16^th. The theme chosen by the Pope for this day is “One Human Family,” one family of brothers and sisters in societies that are becoming ever more multiethnic and intercultural, where also people of various religions are urged to take part in dialogue, so that a serene and fruitful coexistence with legitimate differences may be found.
The Pope said the road we all travel is the same, that of life, but the situations we pass through on this route are different. Many people have to face difficulties in various forms, internal or international, permanent or seasonal, economic or political, voluntary or forced. The Pope noted that in many cases the departure from their country is motivated by different forms of violence and persecution, or economic reasons. Welcoming refugees and giving them hospitality, is for everyone an imperative gesture of human solidarity, he said, so that they may not feel isolated because of intolerance and disinterest.
The Papal message said the international community must help those, who are forced to leave their homes or their country, to find a place where they may live in peace and safety; where they may find work and take on the rights and duties that exist in the country that welcomes them, contributing to the common good. At the same time, said the Pontiff, States have the right to regulate migration flows and to defend their own frontiers, always guaranteeing the respect due to the dignity of every human person.
In conclusion, the Pope also spoke of foreign students, who are also a growing reality within the great migration phenomenon, saying they constitute cultural and economic bridges between these countries and the Host Countries. The world of immigrants is vast and diversified, it knows wonderful and promising experiences. For the Church this reality constitutes and eloquent sign of our times, which further highlights Humanity’s vocation to form “One Human Family” said the Pope.




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