Give voice to the plight of refugees, Pope tells ambassadors

May 19, 2016

Pope Francis received new ambassadors from six nations on May 19 and called upon them to give voice to the needs of refugees.

“Your presence here today is a poignant reminder that, though our nationalities, cultures and religious beliefs may be different, we are united by our common humanity and a shared mission to care for society and creation,” the Pope told the ambassadors, who had gathered in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace.

“This service has taken on a particular urgency, as so many in our world are suffering conflicts and war, forced migration and displacement, and the uncertainty born of economic hardship,” he continued. “For those suffering the tragedy of violence and forced migration, we must be resolute in making their plight known to the world community, so that as they lack the strength or ability to cry out, their voice may be heard in our own.”

The Pope also called for “efforts to remove weapons from those perpetrating violence, and to end the scourge of human trafficking and the drug trade which often supports this evil.”

 

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Further information:

• Le Lettere Credenziali degli Ambasciatori di Seychelles, Thailandia, Estonia, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia presso la Santa Sede (Holy See Press Office)