Pope Francis greets a Muslim woman as he meets refugees at the Moria refugee camp on the island of Lesbos, Greece, April 16, 2016. CNS photo/Paul Haring

Best way to fight terrorism is to warmly welcome refugees, Pope says

By  Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service
  • September 19, 2016

VATICAN CITY – Offering migrants and refugees truly helpful and loving hospitality is the greatest guarantee against terrorism, Pope Francis said.

The current refugee and migration crisis, with more than 65 million people forcibly displaced from their homes, has become "the greatest humanitarian crisis after the Second World War," he said.

"At this place and time in history, there is great need for men and women who hear the cry of the poor and respond with mercy and generosity," he told graduates of Jesuit schools and universities during an audience at the Vatican Sept. 17.

The alumni are members of the World Union and the European Confederation of Jesuit Alumni; they were in Rome taking part in a conference on the migration and refugee crisis.

The Pope told them that with their Jesuit education and understanding of Gospel values, they can help the church "respond more fully to the human tragedy of refugees through acts of mercy that promote their integration into the European context and beyond."

"I encourage you to welcome refugees into your homes and communities, so that their first experience of Europe is not the traumatic experience of sleeping cold on the streets, but one of warm human welcome," he said.

"Remember that authentic hospitality is a profound Gospel value that nurtures love and is our greatest security against hateful acts of terrorism," he added.

Too many refugee children and young people lack access to education, he said, urging the alumni to work with the Jesuit Refugee Service and "put your mercy in motion" to help "build a stronger Europe and a brighter future for refugees."

He told his audience to remember they were not alone as many church organizations and individuals were also dedicated to helping the marginalized and excluded.

"Remember that the love of God accompanies you in this work. You are God's eyes, mouth, hands and heart in this world."

"I urge you to help transform your communities into places of welcome where all God's children have the opportunity not simply to survive, but to grow, flourish and bear fruit," he said.

Please support The Catholic Register

Unlike many media companies, The Catholic Register has never charged readers for access to the news and information on our website. We want to keep our award-winning journalism as widely available as possible. But we need your help.

For more than 125 years, The Register has been a trusted source of faith-based journalism. By making even a small donation you help ensure our future as an important voice in the Catholic Church. If you support the mission of Catholic journalism, please donate today. Thank you.

DONATE