Pope Francis urged European governments to welcome migrants rather than treat them as invaders during his visit to France’s Mediterranean port of Marseille. ‘
He made these remarks on the second day of his visit, touching on a highly sensitive political issue, particularly in light of recent mass arrivals.
The Pope emphasized that those risking their lives at sea are not invaders but are seeking welcome and refuge.
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“Those who risk their lives at sea do not invade, they look for welcome,” Francis said in a speech closing a conference of bishops and young people from around the Mediterranean.
He also highlighted the need for wise foresight in governing migration, including a coordinated European response.
Migration is “a reality of our times, a process that involves three continents around the Mediterranean and that must be governed with wise foresight, including a European response,” the pontiff added.
His statements came in the wake of mass arrivals on Italy’s Lampedusa island and amid ongoing debates on the issue.