Have compassion on refugees, Pope tells Jesuit alumni

September 19, 2016

Pope Francis encouraged members of the European Confederation of the World Union of Jesuit Alumni and Alumnae to follow the example of the late Jesuit superior general Father Pedro Arrupe (1907-91) and show compassion to refugees.

“Tragically, at present, more than 65 million persons are forcibly displaced around the globe,” the Pope said in Consistory Hall of the Apostolic Palace on September 17. “This unprecedented number is beyond all imagination.”

“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.”

 

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Further information:

• Udienza ai partecipanti all'Incontro promosso dalla Confederazione Europea degli ex-alunni e alunne dei Gesuiti, 17.09.2016 (Holy See Press Office)