VATICAN CITY (AP) – Pope Francis has called for a bold and creative strategy to deal with global migration, insisting that Europe has the means to absorb refugees without sacrificing its security or culture.
In a speech Monday to the Holy See’s diplomatic corps, Francis lamented the distinction made by the international community between refugees fleeing persecution and those fleeing poverty. He said human history has been marked by great waves of migration, and that humanity today must not let security fears replace the principle of respecting the dignity of others.
Francis called for dialogue to begin among the countries of migrants’ origin, transit and reception “so that with greater boldness and creativity, new and sustainable solutions can be sought.”
