Gypsies, vulnerable to exploitation, should be integrated into society, Pope says

June 05, 2014

Often living on the margins of society, gypsies “easily become victims of new forms of slavery,” Pope Francis said at a June 5 audience with participants in a conference organized by the Pontifical Council for Migrants.

Gypsies are frequently treated with “hostility and suspicion,” the Pope said, and lack access to education, health care, and equal opportunities in employment. At the same time, he observed, “they are rarely involved in the political, economic and social dynamics of the country,” and gypsies should also feel the obligation to contribute to the common good.

Pope Francis called for “commitment on the part of local and national institutions” to improve the lives of gypsies. He added that the Church should be involved because “the Gospel is the proclamation of joy for all and especially for the weakest and most marginalized.”

 

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Further information:

• Francis: Gypsies Are One of the Groups Most Vulnerable to New Forms of Slavery (VIS)